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You are here: Home » Grapevine Category Archives

Grapevine Category Archives

Acadia Middle School

June 26, 2025: Acadia’s 8th Grade Moving Up Ceremony.
June 16, 2025: Seven middle school FLL robotics teams competed at Gowana this past weekend in the Shen Spring Rumble! Ctrl+Alt+Elite and the Fireballs claimed top honors for robot performance. The Attachment Innovation Awards went to Data Deleted and System Hacked, while Execute File.win and the RoboSapiens took home the Mission Innovation Awards.
June 16, 2025: Students, families, and staff gathered for Acadia’s Student Recognition Breakfast to acknowledge students in the Howl of Fame and Leader of the Pack programs.
June 6, 2025: Students in Rock Travis’ Technology 8 classes are working on building their own catapults. Students get to design, build, test, and make revisions all while learning and having a great time.
June 4, 2025: Last month Mr. Silvagnoli took two 8th Grade Bands down to Central Park NYC where they performed a concert at the Naumberg Bandshell.
May 28, 2025: This year’s Unified Physical Education Field Day was Wednesday, May 21st. The UPE classes in Grades 6-12 had a fun filled morning of inclusion as they participated in various physical fitness activities and challenges. Over 120 students were in attendance!
May 27, 2025: 5th Graders had the opportunity to tour the Tri-Building in preparation for the fall. Current Middle Schoolers led them on tours through the buildings and answered any questions they had during a Q&A session in the Gowana Auditorium!
May 23, 2025: Interested in performing arts, dance, or gymnastics? Attend Shen’s Colorguard Interactive Clinics! Open to all student grades 4-11 (click here for more information).
May 22, 2025: Our middle school robotics team, Data Deleted, recently represented Shen with pride at the American Robotics Open Competition in New Jersey.
May 19, 2025: Shen’s 75th Anniversary Celebration was a huge success! Click to view our photo gallery.
May 19, 2025: The Shenendehowa Central School District Art Show is on display at the Clifton Park-Halfmoon Library starting 5/22 until 5/28.
May 7, 2025: Congrats to the Acadia students who made the Quarter 3 Achievement List (click here for the full list)!
April 29, 2025: Tesago Alumni and Acadia student Annelie Jones (center) was part of the equestrian team that won the Middle School National IEA Championship this past weekend in St. Louis.
March 13, 2025: Three seats on Shenendehowa’s Board of Education are up for election on May 20, 2025– each carry a three-year term. The deadline for petitions is April 21 at 5pm (click to learn more).
March 12, 2025: In honor of Shenendehowa’s 75th Anniversary we are assembling an Alumni Choir to perform at the Celebration Events! If you are an alum of Shen and sang in any Choir, or are a current or retired Shen Music teacher, please consider signing up and joining us in celebration (click to learn more)!
March 12, 2025: NOTICE TO PARENTS OF STUDENTS ATTENDING NON-PUBLIC SCHOOLS – Parents of students living in the Shenendehowa Central School District seeking transportation for their children who will attend a non-public school next year must submit a written request by April 1 2025. (click to learn more!)
September 27, 2024: Thriving Online: A Conversation About Digital Safety – Open to Everyone – Oct. 8 at 6:30 (click to learn more)
September 12, 2024: Transitioning away from the “Plainsmen” name.
September 10, 2024: The Shen Cheer Team invites all K-8th graders to join them for a Shen Cheer Clinic on Sunday, 9/29 from 9 -11am (click to learn more)!
September 5, 2024: Registration is currently open for the upcoming Shenendehowa Fall 2024/Winter 2025 programs, including SAT Prep Course for high school students and Learn-to-Swim for Children and Adults and the Now offering NEW Parent/Child options (click to learn more!)
July 18, 2024: School supply lists for the 2024-25 school year are now available. Click for more information.
May 21, 2024: Shenendehowa 2024-25 Budget Vote Results
April 12, 2024: Mr. Symonds 8th grade students learn about floor plan design and two point perspectives.
March 1, 2024: Mr. Symonds 8th grade classes visited the house construction class at HSE to see the progress. They are currently completing a Trades in Construction unit and were measuring for square footage averages.
November 27, 2023: Review SNAP benefits and see if you’re eligible! Learn more here!
October 30, 2023: Acadia’s mentor group met and decorated pumpkins!
May 31, 2023: The Shenendehowa Middle Schools Latin teachers, Ms. Griswold and Mr. Breitweiser, are proud to announce the 2023 National Latin Examination award recipients. Click for more info!
May 23, 2023: Twelve students from Acadia, Gowana and Koda were recognized at the SAANYS Leaders Recognizing Leaders breakfast.
May 22, 2023: Our middle school robotics team , called the CaptiBytes, received the champions finalist award and placed second overall at the American Robotics Open Championship (AROC)!
May 16, 2023: 2023-24 Budget Vote and School Board Election Results. Thank you to our school community for your support! Click for full details…
May 13, 2023: Congratulations to the Middle School PE Award Winners (click for more info)!
May 13, 2023: Sixth grade students in Mrs. Deitz’s FACS classes were joined by High School members of the AWOD Club (A World of Difference) to engage in activities and learn about respect, kindness, character, and the damaging effects of stereotypes.
May 11, 2023: 8th grade accelerated art students in Jessica Clermont’s Studio in Art class worked hard creating amazing sculptures. Their work in on display in the Gowana library.
May 11, 2023: Sixth grade students in Mrs. Deitz’s FACS classes were joined by High School members of the AWOD Club (A World of Difference) to engage in activities and learn about respect, kindness, character, and the damaging effects of stereotypes.
May 7, 2023: The Shen Music Department hosted their 19th Annual jazz Festival, featuring guest artist Sharel Cassity. The concert included students in grades 6-12 and culminated in a performance with Sharel and all 100+ jazz students!
April 27, 2023: The Middle Schools welcomed award winning author/poet, Kwame Alexander in April
April 6, 2023: It’s back! Join us for Shen’s 2023 Science and Health Discovery Night on Friday, April 21st at 6 pm at HS East.
April 3, 2023: Susan Christman’s 7th grade Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) students created and sewed “Cage/Care Comforters.” for the Saratoga County Animal Shelter.
March 24, 2023: Students at Acadia middle who are part of the Individual Skills Development program took part in a shamrock shake cooking lesson.
March 21, 2023: Luen Lee, a 7th grader at Acadia Middle School, won 1st place in the Junior Individual Exhibit category at Capital Region History Day.
March 20, 2023: Staff and students competed in Acadia’s annual Dodgeball tournament last week!
March 17, 2023: Mrs. Arnold’s 8th grade Acadia honors English students use creativity and imagination to create characters and settings out of different items for inspiration in writing their own narrative stories.
March 16, 2023: Each 8th grade technology student sanded wood blanks and LASER engraved a personal ruler to use throughout the year.
March 16, 2023: Acadia Middle School Celebrated Pi Day in spectacular fashion! 3 students memorized over 100 digits and pie teacher, AP, principal, and superintendent!
March 13, 2023: Acadia 8th grade health students celebrate “Mario” day, March 10th by spreading joy.
March 7, 2023: Middle School Bowling Club Started this Week and Students had a blast!
March 2, 2023: Middle School, CaptiBytes, wins 1st place in innovation and 2nd place in Robot Performance!
February 14, 2023: Mrs. Arnold’s 8th Grade students used their creativity to make unique posters about characters from the novel, The Outsiders, by S.E. Hinton.
October 28, 2022: Save the Date! Science & Health Discovery Night is back on Friday, April 21, 2023 and we need the Shen community’s help – attend, present, donate or sponsor. More information…
October 3, 2022: Parents and Guardians: Watch this step by step video on how to access the Backpack tool within the Parent Portal
September 28, 2022: Annual Go Home Early Drill takes place on Thursday, October 6. All students will be dismissed 15 minutes early. Click for more details…
September 27, 2022: With over 45 clubs to join across the three Middle Schools, you’re bound to find one (or more!) to join! Check out the full list and descriptions of each club for the 2022-23 school year…
September 27, 2022: Shen’s latest Shen Shop has new quarter-zip pullovers just in time for the Fall weather. Store closes October 5 so order yours today!
September 14, 2022: Sign up for Shen text messaging notifications through Infinite Campus
June 9, 2022: School Supply Lists for the 2022-2023 School Year are now available. Click to see the supply list for each school…
May 25, 2022: An important message from Superintendent Dr. L. Oliver Robinson on the tragedy in Texas
May 23, 2022: Shenendehowa and The Prevention Council of Saratoga County invite parents to a Right Under Your Nose Program event on Tuesday, May 24. Learn more…
May 18, 2022: Thank YOU to our Shen Community: A letter of gratitude from Superintendent Dr. L. Oliver Robinson
May 17, 2022: POLLS ARE OPEN: Make your voice heard. Get out and vote to support the Shenendehowa Central School District. Stop by the Gowana Middle School Gym until 9pm!
May 16, 2022: Get Out the Vote for May 17: A video message from Dr. L. Oliver Robinson, Superintendent of Schools. Click for the full message…
April 27, 2022: Shenendehowa Dance Team Skills Clinic and Tryout Dates for May now open for students currently in grades 8-11. More details…
August 30, 2018: School Bus Safety…a Community Effort!…

Arongen Elementary

June 12, 2025: Arongen had their 2025 Field Day this week and the students had a blast competing and working together in all the different events!
May 21, 2025: NOTICE: June 20th Print Calendar Correction for Kindergarten
May 9, 2025: The Arongen Kindness Club has published a book entitled “Kindness Is…” Each student contributed a written and illustrated page reflecting their own interpretation of kindness. This book will be available for students to borrow from the Arongen library!
April 30, 2025: On Friday, April 4th the students of Arongen Elementary School shared their rich culture with their classmates.
March 14, 2025: Registration is now open for all Shen Summer Adventures Summer Camps (click to register)!
January 16, 2025: ATTENTION SHENENDEHOWA PARENTS OF RISING KINDERGARTNERS (click to read more)
November 18, 2024: Shen Dance Elementary Clinic (Grades K-5) on 12/15 at noon (click to learn more)
September 27, 2024: Elementary Parent Series – Nurturing Confidence, Competence, and Independence – October 9 at 6pm in the Skano Cafeteria (click to learn more).
June 20, 2023: Town Historian, John Scherer spoke to the 3rd and 4th graders at Arongen for National Historic Preservation Month. He told them about one room schoolhouses and how things used to be for students.
May 22, 2023: Students from Mrs. Renzi’s 5th grade class read books to Mrs. Losee’s 1st graders as an earned incentive in Arongen’s FUN RUN.
May 11, 2023: Family Fun for all at the Arongen Art Show hosted by Art Educator Crystal Preston.
May 1, 2023: Thank you to all who donated to the Bountiful Backpack program at Arongen’s Art & Ice cream Event!
April 4, 2023: Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) Lottery Application for the 2023-24 school year now available. More information on how to apply…
March 16, 2023: The Arongen Mural Club has completed the second section of the mural showcasing the story of “Be the Architect of Your Future.”
January 8, 2023: Sign up for the Shen Dance Elementary Clinic – Grades K-5, Sunday, 12/17/23 at the Acadia cafe: 12-3p
November 23, 2015: Arongen School Supply List

Athletics

April 29, 2024: The Shenendehowa Athletic department is pleased to announce the 2024 Athletic Hall of Fame Class. The Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place on Friday, June 7th at 6 pm in the High School East Auditorium (click to read more).
May 31, 2023: Congratulations Shen boys Varsity lacrosse Section 2 champions!
March 9, 2023: Congratulations to our Girls Nordic Ski Team who won the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Championship on 2/28!!
February 15, 2023: Congratulations to our Girls Varsity Alpine Ski Team who won the Section 2 Championship at West Mountain.
February 15, 2023: Congratulations to our Boys Varsity Bowling team who captured the Section 2 Championship at Boulevard Bowl.
November 2, 2022: Postseason tickets for any Shenendehowa athletic contest available through GoFan online ticketing site…
September 12, 2022: Shenendehowa High School Earns National Recognition As Leader In Creating An Inclusive School Community. Read the full release in partnership with Special Olympics New York…
August 9, 2022: The Shen Athletics Department announces Fall 2022 Tryout Information. Click for full details…
June 7, 2022: Save the Dates: 2022-2023 Sport Physicals will be held on 7/27 and 8/1 from 4:30-6:30pm in the High School East New Gym (Gr. 7-12). More information…
June 1, 2022: Girls Lacrosse defeats Kingston and moves on to play Suffern High School in the NYS Class A Regional Championship game on Saturday, June 4. Click to purchase tickets…
May 31, 2022: Boys Lacrosse will play against Guilderland in the Section 2 Class A Championship on June 1 at 7:30pm at Shaker High School. Click to purchase tickets…
May 31, 2022: Girls Lacrosse will play against Kingston in the Class A Sub-Regional game on May 31 at 4pm at Roundout Valley High School. Click to purchase tickets…
May 26, 2022: Girl’s Lacrosse to play Saratoga on Friday, May 27 in the Class A Section 2 Championships at CBA’s Stadium Field. Click to purchase tickets…
May 25, 2022: Softball will square off against Saratoga on Thursday, May 26 in the Class AA Sectional Championship in Malta at 5pm. Click for ticket information…
May 25, 2022: Boys Lacrosse will play Bethlehem in a Section 2 Class A Semifinal game on Friday, May 27 at 3pm at Shen. Click for ticket information…
May 20, 2022: 2022-2023 Suburban Scholastic Council Start Dates for Fall, Winter and Spring Sports now available
March 8, 2022: Shen Hockey plays against Suffern in the NYSPHSAA Division I Championship semi-final on Sat., 3/12 at 9:00am in Buffalo, NY. Click to purchase your tickets…
December 3, 2021: Congratulations to all of our Fall Athletic teams who achieved the NYSPHSAA Scholar-Athlete Team Awards! Over 200 student-athletes qualified with a 90 plus GPA!
August 31, 2021: Spectator Information at Shenendehowa Athletic Contests
February 16, 2021: NHFS Network Live Stream Now Available
February 11, 2021: Email and Phone Number Established to Ensure Safety as High-Risk Sports Resume
November 3, 2020: We have partnered with FamilyID to register for programs…
October 27, 2015: Athletics Staff Directory
October 6, 2015: Athletics

Chango Elementary

June 25, 2025: Deputy Martin came to present to Mrs. Figel’s first grade class at Chango, all about being a police offers!
May 13, 2025: Chango 5th Grade students chosen to receive the Sandra G. Morley Capital Area P.E. Student Leadership Award on May 12th at HVCC in a very special ceremony. Congrats to these 8 Chango students!
May 12, 2025: Chango elementary students learning all about science on the Physics Bus!
April 28, 2025: Chango faculty and staff recently stepped in as lunch servers to surprise students!
May 13, 2023: Congratulations to the 10 deserving Chango 5th Grade PE Student Leadership Award Winners for 2023!
March 17, 2023: Chango students celebrated St. Patrick’s Day with fun green food provided by our food services team!
November 1, 2022: Chango Elementary receives National Blue Ribbon status as U.S. Department of Education Announces 2022 National Blue Ribbon Schools
May 3, 2022: At a Glance: Chango Elementary Parent Newsletter for April/May 2022
March 25, 2022: Updated Arrival/Dismissal Procedures for Chango effective Monday, April 25. Full details…
April 15, 2019: Information about Shen students in Paris for PEACE Exchange Program…
March 9, 2018: Chango Gr. 3-5 Science Fair, May 14 at 6:30 p.m.

District News

June 25, 2025: Click here for the Class of 2025 Graduation Live Stream.
June 23, 2025: Tickets and Sponsorships for the 2025 Shenendehowa Athletic Hall of Fame Induction are now available! Click here for information on how to purchase.
June 22, 2025: In recognition of the high heat levels we will have an early dismissal on Monday, June 23rd and Tuesday, June 24th.
June 4, 2025: The Shenendehowa Athletics Department is proud to announce the class of 2025 inductees to the Shenendehowa Athletic Hall of Fame. A formal dinner banquet and full induction ceremony is planned for September 25, 2025 in Clifton Park. Details of this event, ticket sales information, and sponsorship opportunities will all be forthcoming in the near future.
June 4, 2025: Capital Region BOCES is hosting a Careers in Education Fair on Wednesday, June 11, 6-8 p.m. at 900 Watervliet-Shaker Road. Interim Superintendent, Dr. Cecily Wilson-Turner, will be the keynote speaker.
May 22, 2025: If you’ve ever thought about driving a school bus but were afraid to try it – here’s your opportunity! The Shenendehowa Central Schools Transportation Department will conduct a “Test Drive a School Bus” for prospective school bus drivers on Thursday, June 5th.
May 20, 2025: 2025-26 Budget Vote Results
May 16, 2025: On May 13th, Dr. Cecily Wilson-Turner was approved for appointment as the Interim Superintendent. We look forward to, and are confident in her leadership of the District.
May 7, 2025: Shen senior, Teresa Rodrigues was recognized as the Student of the Month on WMHT.
May 2, 2025: The Friday before Memorial Day (5/23) will be used as a “snow day/use of emergency day.” This means Shenendehowa Central Schools will not be in session (including students attending BOCES programming) on Friday, May 23, 2025.
April 30, 2025: Join us for Shadows of Reality: The Deep Fake Deception on Monday, May 12th at 6:30 pm in the Gowana Auditorium.
April 29, 2025: We are happy to share that Shen’s College Personal Finance and Investments class has been recognized as the 100 Best W!se High Schools Teaching Personal Finance.
April 28, 2025: Triniti Echols (Flag Football) and Macy Zeilman (Lacrosse) were both nominated as the Times Union’s Athlete of Week! Vote for these athletes and their outstanding performances here.
April 28, 2025: 2025 STEM & Health Discovery Night!
April 25, 2025: The CaptiBytes competed at the FIRST World Championship in Houston, Texas and were named a Robot Design Award Finalist—an incredible honor at the highest level of competition in the program. (click to learn more)
March 31, 2025: Applications now open for UPK 2025-26 (click to learn more!)
March 31, 2025: Shenendehowa Superintendent Dr. L. Oliver Robinson Announces Retirement; Board of Education Expresses Gratitude and Confidence in District’s Future
March 14, 2025: Registration is open for Shen’s Community Education Spring Classes!
January 24, 2025: Students in Shenendehowa High School’s Construction I and II classes construct a 1,200 square foot modular home situated behind High School East– It is now up for bid!
January 21, 2025: Congrats to FLL Qualifier Champions – Ctrl+Alt+Elite and Data Deleted (click to learn more)!
October 1, 2024: The 2023-2025 National PTA Schools of Excellence have been announced and Gowana Middle School and Shenendehowa High School are on the list (click to learn more)!
September 27, 2024: World Language Honor Society Induction – Professional Photos (click for link)
September 10, 2024: As you may be aware, the College Board will continue with all digital testing for the PSAT/NMSQT this fall. Digital testing allows our students to take this exam on their school-issued Chromebooks, and presents some benefits of ease for the administration. Like last year, the exam will be administered on a Saturday at High School East. The PSAT/NMSQT will be administered at High School East on Saturday, October 26th, starting at 8 a.m. This will be the only PSAT/NMSQT offering this school year (click to learn more).
June 7, 2024: Professional Event Photos for 2024 by Lauren Studios can be found here!
September 12, 2023: Click here to find out more about our Bountiful Backpack program and how you can help the Regional Food Bank and Shenendehowa meet the needs of our students when other resources are not available, especially on weekends.
June 23, 2023: Watch the live stream here!
May 25, 2023: Orenda students had a blast participating in the First in Math competition at UAlbany
May 22, 2023: Shen “Best Buddies” Members participated in the Friendship Walk at Crossgates Mall.
May 22, 2023: Congratulations to Shen graphic design student, Katelyn Witz, whose billboard design was chosen as the winner in the anti impaired driving initiative.
May 15, 2023: The Friday before Memorial Day, May 26th, will be a regular school day.
May 4, 2023: The Shenendehowa HS Chess Club hosted a sanctioned chess tournament with over 130 attendants.
May 2, 2023: The High School newspaper, The Shen Pen, has launched a website. Check it out!
May 2, 2023: Congratulations to the National Latin Exam winners at Shenendehowa! Click here to access the list of winners.
May 1, 2023: Shen is now hiring for substitutes (teachers, aides, clerical, building & grounds, nurses, monitors, & food service)
April 27, 2023: Important reminders regarding 2023 AP Exams
April 25, 2023: Learn about our Early Learning Center 2023 Referendum
April 19, 2023: Stop by the Shen Thrift Shop on 5/15, 4-5pm, Shatekon bus loop
April 14, 2023: School Safety Series: Making Prevention a Reality on 4/18, 6:30pm at Gowana Middle School Auditorium.
April 11, 2023: Rose Barra, Shen’s Academic Administrator for Business, FACS, and Technology, and leader of the Shenendehowa Team 20 Robotics program was instrumental in garnering the NY Assembly Resolution NYK00200 Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 31, 2023, as NY FIRST Robotics Day!
April 6, 2023: Congratulations to the Cadet, JV and Varsity Colorguard’s for winning gold medals at the State Championships held on April 1st in Syracuse, NY.
April 3, 2023: Be a Shen Inventor! Registration and T-Shirt orders are due April 6th!
March 29, 2023: The Shenendehowa Jazz Ensemble performed at the Regional Essentially Ellington Jazz Festival in Greenwich, Ct.
March 29, 2023: Student Support Counselor, Niki Tebbano, wearing her “Be Salty” t-shirt, exemplifying the message from SCD keynote speaker Dr. Manny Scott about the power of one person to make a profound difference in the life of a child.
March 24, 2023: South Colonie CSD is partnering with the FBI to host an informational session for parents and students on the rising issues of online safety, security and sextortion on Thursday, March 30, 6:30 pm at Colonie Central High School.
March 21, 2023: 26 High School students win medals (1st, 2nd or 3rd place) at Capital Region History Day and 17 students (1st and 2nd place winners) will proceed to the NY State History Day Contest in Oneonta, NY in April.
March 17, 2023: High School Science Bowl team wins the Regional Competition held at GE Global Research, earning a trip to the National Competition in Washington DC at the End of April.
March 17, 2023: A powerful Superintendent’s Conference Day featured speaker and original Freedom Writer, Dr. Manny Scott
March 16, 2023: The Shen Literary Magazine for the Winter 2022-2023 is available now!
March 13, 2023: Shenendehowa Board of Education Open Seats – deadline for petition April 17, 2023
March 9, 2023: Join us for a Shen Inventors Info Session – March 13th at 6 pm
March 9, 2023: Notice to Parents of Students Attending Non-Public Schools
March 6, 2023: Community members and district staff visited Skano classrooms for Read Across America Day on 3/2.
March 6, 2023: Register Today – Shenendehowa Community Education – Spring 2023
March 1, 2023: Shen’s Unified Sports program will be hosting a district wide Faculty/Staff Basketball Tournament on March 16th from 5-8:30 p.m. in the High School East Main Gym.
March 1, 2023: Congratulations to our Girls Alpine Ski Team for winning the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Championships on 2/28!!
February 28, 2023: Threat at High School – February 28 (updated 3/1)
February 21, 2023: Thank you to Clifton Park Elks #2466 for their ongoing support of our Bountiful Backpack program.
February 16, 2023: This week, the elementary schools celebrated Kindness. Skano 5th graders wrote kind messages to students in their class.
February 16, 2023: Students from the National Art Honor Society are displaying Winter themed art at the Clifton Park Library.
February 9, 2023: Students enjoyed the Best Buddies event at Karigon Elementary.
October 28, 2022: Shenendehowa Weekly Wrap | October 28, 2022
October 26, 2022: The Fall 2022 Newsletter is now available online. District residents will also be receiving a printed copy in the mail. Click to read all the stories…
October 21, 2022: Shenendehowa Weekly Wrap | October 21, 2022
October 20, 2022: It’s National School Bus Safety Week! More than 25 million children ride the yellow bus everyday and we thank our Shen Transportation team for their dedication in keeping all our students safe. Click for additional resources…
October 18, 2022: Watch the Video: Superintendent Dr. L. Oliver Robinson delivers a Fall update to the school community live from the Shen High School Pep Rally!
October 14, 2022: Shenendehowa Weekly Wrap | October 14, 2022
October 12, 2022: Community Conversations set for this Saturday, October 15 has been postponed until Saturday, November 5
October 7, 2022: Shenendehowa Weekly Wrap | October 7, 2022
September 30, 2022: Shenendehowa Weekly Wrap | September 30
September 23, 2022: Shenendehowa Weekly Wrap | September 23, 2022
September 16, 2022: Shenendehowa Weekly Wrap | September 16, 2022
September 9, 2022: Shenendehowa Weekly Wrap | September 9, 2022
September 2, 2022: Shenendehowa Weekly Wrap | September 2, 2022
September 1, 2022: Important information: Board of Education meetings shift to 6:00pm start for the 2022-2023 school year
August 10, 2022: Board of Education Adopts Tax Levy for 2022-2023 School Year. More info…
August 9, 2022: Informing the Shen Community: Visits by NYS Police and Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office in School Buildings…
August 8, 2022: Shenendehowa Transportation Reminder for the 2022-2023 School Year. More info…
July 13, 2022: High School Summer School General Education for Grad Lab and ENL Transportation Routes and Times. Click for the alphabetical list…
July 13, 2022: Board of Education elects President and Vice President to one-year term. More info…
July 12, 2022: Shenendehowa Class of 2022 Graduation Photos are now available for download and purchase. Click for more information…
June 24, 2022: Shenendehowa Weekly Wrap | June 24, 2022
June 23, 2022: 6/23/22 Notification of Positive COVID-19 Case. More info…
June 23, 2022: 6/22/21 Notification of Positive COVID-19 Cases. More info…
June 22, 2022: Year-End Evaluation Summary for 2021-2022 from Superintendent Dr. L. Oliver Robinson
June 21, 2022: 6/21/22 Notification of Positive COVID-19 Cases. More info…
June 17, 2022: 6/17/22 Notification of Positive COVID-19 Cases. More info…
June 17, 2022: Shenendehowa Weekly Wrap | June 17, 2022
June 16, 2022: 6/16/22 Notification of Positive COVID-19 Cases. More info…
June 15, 2022: 6/15/22 Notification of Positive COVID-19 Cases. More info…
June 14, 2022: 6/14/22 Notification of Positive COVID-19 Cases. More info…
June 13, 2022: 6/13/22 Notification of Positive COVID-19 Cases. More info…
June 10, 2022: 6/10/22 Notification of Positive COVID-19 Cases. More info…
June 10, 2022: Shenendehowa Weekly Wrap | June 10, 2022
June 9, 2022: 6/9/22 Notification of Positive COVID-19 Cases. More info…
June 9, 2022: Safety Audits Have Been Completed Districtwide | Safety Update Message to the Shen Community
June 8, 2022: 6/8/22 Notification of Positive COVID-19 Cases. More info…
June 7, 2022: 6/7/22 Notification of Positive COVID-19 Cases. More info…
June 6, 2022: 6/6/22 Notification of Positive COVID-19 Cases. More info…
June 3, 2022: 6/3/22 Notification of Positive COVID-19 Cases. More info…
June 3, 2022: Shenendehowa Weekly Wrap | June 3, 2022
June 2, 2022: 6/2/22 Notification of Positive COVID-19 Cases. More info…
June 1, 2022: 6/1/22 Notification of Positive COVID-19 Cases. More info…
May 31, 2022: 5/31/22 Notification of Positive COVID-19 Cases. More info…
May 31, 2022: Resources Available to Children, Families and Educators In the Wake of the Recent Violence and Tragedies in New York, California and Texas
May 26, 2022: 5/26/22 Notification of Positive COVID-19 Cases. More info…
May 26, 2022: Network outage Tonight – Thursday 5/26 starting at 9pm. More information…
May 26, 2022: Shenendehowa Weekly Wrap | May 26, 2022
May 25, 2022: 5/25/22 Notification of Positive COVID-19 Cases. More info…
May 24, 2022: 5/24/22 Notification of Positive COVID-19 Cases. More info…
May 24, 2022: Saratoga Center for the Family is offering two Wellness and Healthy Living Workshops this July, free to interested students. More information…
May 23, 2022: 5/23/22 Notification of Positive COVID-19 Cases. More info…
May 20, 2022: 5/20/22 Notification of Positive COVID-19 Cases. More info…
May 20, 2022: Shenendehowa Weekly Wrap | May 20, 2022
May 19, 2022: 5/19/22 Notification of Positive COVID-19 Cases. More info…
May 18, 2022: 5/18/22 Notification of Positive COVID-19 Cases. More info…
May 17, 2022: 5/17/22 Notification of Positive COVID-19 Cases. More info…
May 16, 2022: 5/16/22 Notification of Positive COVID-19 Cases. More info…
May 13, 2022: 5/13/22 Notification of Positive COVID-19 Cases. More info…
May 13, 2022: Shenendehowa Weekly Wrap | May 13, 2022
May 13, 2022: Clifton Park Community Preparedness and Resiliency Program donates $7,000 grant to support the Bountiful Backpack Program. Thank you to the Town of Clifton Park for supporting our community! Learn how you can support the Backpack program…
May 12, 2022: 5/12/22 Notification of Positive COVID-19 Cases. More info…
May 11, 2022: 5/11/22 Notification of Daily Positive Cases. More info…
May 11, 2022: The Mental Health Association of New York State offering free training during Mental Health Awareness Month in May. Learn more…
May 10, 2022: 5/10/22 Notification of Positive COVID-19 Cases. More info…
May 10, 2022: Missed the Board of Education Candidate Forum? Click for the video link. Public Hearing of Budget set for Tuesday, May 10 at 7pm. More info…
May 9, 2022: 5/9/22 Notification of Positive COVID-19 Cases. More info…
May 9, 2022: Shen PTA Council and Shen Teachers Association (STA) to host BOE Candidate Virtual Forum Night set for Monday, May 9 at 7pm
May 6, 2022: 5/6/22 Notification of Positive COVID-19 Cases. More info…
May 6, 2022: Shenendehowa Weekly Wrap | May 6, 2022
May 5, 2022: 5/5/22 Notification of Positive COVID-19 Cases. More info…
May 4, 2022: 5/4/22 Notification of Positive COVID-19 Cases. More info…
May 3, 2022: 5/3/22 Notification of Positive COVID-19 Cases. More info…
May 2, 2022: 5/2/22 Notification of Positive COVID-19 Cases. More info…
May 2, 2022: Shen Class of 2023 Class Council has organized a T-shirt fundraiser in loving memory of classmate Brandon Sherwood. Shirts are available for purchase through May 8…
May 2, 2022: Couldn’t tune in to Community Conversations on Saturday, April 30? View the recording of the event here…
April 29, 2022: 4/29/22 Notification of Positive COVID-19 Cases. More info…
April 29, 2022: Saratoga County Public Health issues Health Advisory on 4/28/22: COVID-19 Community Level. More info…
April 29, 2022: Shenendehowa Weekly Wrap | April 29, 2022
April 29, 2022: Important Calendar Update: No School on Friday, May 27.
April 28, 2022: 4/28/22 Notification of Positive COVID-19 Cases. More info…
April 27, 2022: 4/27/22 Notification of Positive COVID-19 Cases. More info…
April 26, 2022: 4/26/22 Notification of Positive COVID-19 Cases. More info…
April 25, 2022: 4/15-4/25/22 Notification of Positive COVID-19 Cases during Spring Recess. More info…
April 25, 2022: Board of Education adopts $194 million spending plan under the NYS tax cap. Budget vote set for May 17. More info…
April 21, 2022: NYSDOH Commissioner announces patient health educational material on testing and treatment for COVID-19 infection. More info…
April 14, 2022: 4/14/22 Notification of Positive COVID-19 Cases. More info…
April 14, 2022: Shenendehowa Weekly Wrap | April 14, 2022
April 13, 2022: 4/13/22 Notification of Positive COVID-19 Cases. More info…
April 13, 2022: Watch the video: A powerful message of hope and strength through music. Description written by Music Teacher, Ms. Elizabeth Mars…
April 12, 2022: Board of Education formally adopts 2022-2023 school budget. More information…
April 12, 2022: 4/12/22 Notification of Positive COVID-19 Cases. More info…
April 12, 2022: Advanced Placement (AP) Exam Information for High School students, parents/guardians and teachers. More info…
April 12, 2022: Absentee ballots for Shenendehowa Budget Vote and School Board Election. More info…
April 11, 2022: 4/11/22 Notification of Positive COVID-19 Cases. More info…
April 8, 2022: 4/8/22 Notification of Positive COVID-19 Cases. More info…
April 8, 2022: Shenendehowa Weekly Wrap | April 8, 2022
April 7, 2022: 4/7/21 Notification of Positive COVID-19 Cases. More info…
April 6, 2022: 4/6/22 Notification of Positive COVID-19 Cases. More info…
April 5, 2022: 4/5/22 Notification of Positive COVID-19 Cases. More info…
April 4, 2022: 4/4/22 Notification of Positive COVID-19 Cases. More info…
April 4, 2022: 4/1/22 Notification of Positive COVID-19 Cases. More info…
April 1, 2022: Shenendehowa Weekly Wrap | April 1, 2022
March 31, 2022: 3/31/22 Notification of Positive COVID-19 Cases. More info…
March 30, 2022: 3/30/22 Notification of Positive COVID-19 Cases. More info…
March 29, 2022: 3/29/22 Notification of Positive COVID-19 Cases. More info…
March 29, 2022: 3/28/22 Notification of Positive COVID-19 Cases. More info…
March 25, 2022: 3/25/21 Notification of Positive COVID-19 Cases. More info…
March 25, 2022: Shenendehowa Weekly Wrap | March 25, 2022
March 24, 2022: 3/24/22 Notification of Positive COVID-19 Cases. More info…
March 24, 2022: 3/23/22 Notification of Positive COVID-19 Cases. More info…
March 22, 2022: 3/22/22 Notification of Positive COVID-19 Cases. More info…
March 21, 2022: 3/21/22 Notification of Positive COVID-19 Cases. More info…
March 21, 2022: Test Drive A Bus Event set for Saturday, March 26 from 10am-12pm. Come see what being a School Transportation Hero is all about!
March 21, 2022: Unable to join on Saturday? Watch the recording of Community Conversations on YouTube…
March 18, 2022: 3/18/22 Notification of Positive COVID-19 Cases. More info…
March 18, 2022: Shenendehowa Weekly Wrap | March 18, 2022
March 17, 2022: 3/17/22 Notification of Positive COVID-19 Cases. More info…
March 16, 2022: 3/16/22 Notification of Positive COVID-19 Cases. More info…
March 15, 2022: 3/15/22 Daily Notification of Positive COVID-19 Cases. More info…
March 14, 2022: 3/14/22 Daily Notification of Positive COVID-19 Cases. More info…
March 11, 2022: Shenendehowa Weekly Wrap | March 11, 2022
March 10, 2022: 3/10/22 Notification of Positive COVID-19 Cases. More info…
March 10, 2022: Shenendehowa asks all parents to complete the NYSED Digital Equity Survey. More info…
March 10, 2022: 3/9/22 Notification of Positive COVID-19 Cases. More info…
March 9, 2022: Board Petitions are now available for three seats on the Shenendehowa Board of Education. More info…
March 8, 2022: Community Education Spring Program Online Registration is Now Open. Click for more information…
March 8, 2022: 3/8/22 Notification of Positive COVID-19 Cases. More info…
March 7, 2022: 3/7/22 Notification of Positive COVID-19 Cases. More info…
March 7, 2022: 3/7/22 – Shatekon Elementary is currently operating without phones and with limited internet access. Restoration is in progress.
March 6, 2022: Okte Elementary will be open on Monday, March 7 after the Friday water main break. More info…
March 4, 2022: 3/4/22 Daily Notification of Positive COVID-19 Case. More info…
March 4, 2022: Shenendehowa Weekly Wrap | March 4, 2022
March 3, 2022: Okte School Closure – Friday, March 4, 2022
March 3, 2022: 3/3/22 Notifications of Positive COVID-19 Cases. More info…
March 3, 2022: UPDATE – Water Main Break Affecting Okte Elementary – Early Dismissal
March 3, 2022: Water Main Break Affecting Okte Elementary – Early Dismissal
March 2, 2022: 3/2/22 Notification of Positive COVID-19 Cases. More info…
March 2, 2022: Message from the Superintendent: Pivoting to a Mask Optional Environment with Continued Mitigation Efforts. More info…
March 1, 2022: 3/1/22 Daily Notification of Positive COVID-19 Cases. More info…
February 28, 2022: 2/19/22-2/28/22 Notification of Positive Cases Over February Break. More info…
February 27, 2022: 2/27/22 Update to NYS Mask Mandate in Schools. More info…
February 25, 2022: February Break Return to School Letter to Families with COVID-19 Updates. More info…
February 18, 2022: 2/18/22 Notification of Positive COVID-19 Cases. More info…
February 17, 2022: 2/17/22 Notification of Positive COVID-19 Cases. More info…
February 16, 2022: 2/16/22 Notification of Positive COVID-19 Cases. More info…
February 15, 2022: 2/15/22 Notification of Positive COVID-19 Cases. More info…
February 14, 2022: 2/14/22 Notifications of Positive COVID-19 Cases. More info…
February 11, 2022: 2/11/22 Notification of Positive COVID-19 Cases. More info…
February 10, 2022: A Message from the Superintendent regarding NYS mask mandate (2/10/22)
February 10, 2022: 2/10/22 Notifications of Positive COVID-19 Cases. More info…
February 9, 2022: 2/9/22 Notification of Positive COVID-19 Cases. More info…
February 8, 2022: 2/8/22 Notification of Positive COVID-19 Cases. More info…
February 7, 2022: 2/7/22 Notification of Positive COVID-19 Cases. More info…
February 7, 2022: 2/4/22 Notification of Positive COVID-19 Cases. More info…
February 4, 2022: CLOSED – Schools are closed on Friday, February 4, 2022.
February 3, 2022: 2/3/22 Notification of Positive COVID-19 Cases. More info…
February 2, 2022: 2/2/22 Notification of Positive COVID-19 Cases. More info…
February 2, 2022: Diagnostic and Unvaccinated Student COVID-19 Testing to be discontinued on February 15. More info…
February 2, 2022: Board of Education Approves 2022-2023 School Calendar
February 1, 2022: 2/1/22 Notification of Positive COVID-19 Cases. More info…
January 31, 2022: 1/31/22 Notification of Positive COVID-19 Cases. More info…
January 31, 2022: Updated information on expiration dates for CareStart COVID-19 Home Test Kits…
January 21, 2022: Website Redesign Survey | Looking for community feedback to help improve the Shenendehowa Website. Click for survey link…

Gowana Middle School

June 26, 2025: Gowana Middle School celebrates their Moving Up Ceremony
June 18, 2025: Students in Mr. Symonds’ Tech 8 class are using their skills to build and test catapults. A lot of learning occurs as students work through multiple iterations of their catapults.
June 18, 2025: Gowana PTA surprises the students with an icee and beach music.
June 16, 2025: On Friday, June 13th, in collaboration with the Clifton Park Halfmoon Paramedics, the Gowana PTA brought the Safe Sitter Training program to 6th, 7th and 8th students.
June 2, 2025: Congratulations to the medal winners in the Gowana Team 6-2 Greek Olympics! Each class researched a different Greek city-state and then created scrolls and flags to show off what they had learned.
May 12, 2025: Sixth grade students in Mrs. Clermont’s Art class enjoy a story read by classmate Junior about 2 kids who are digging a hole trying to find something spectacular! The story is a precursor for a lesson on coloring gemstones.
May 9, 2025: Gowana Middle School Q3 Achievement List
May 7, 2025: Congratulations to the Gowana students for being recognized for their high academic standards, citizenship, contribution to our school, or kindness.
April 10, 2025: 8th grade tri-building artists in Mrs. Clermont’s class crafted some amazing creations while learning about various kinds of Fiber Art!
January 17, 2024: Congratulations to the Team 6-2 Mesopotamia Breakout Champions! Each team was the fastest in their class to solve the puzzles to help them determine the code to “break out” of the “escape room
June 20, 2023: Gowana 6th graders had a great time competing in The Team 6-2 Olympics.
May 22, 2023: Congratulations to Gowana’s 3rd Quarter Plainsmen Pride recipients.
April 6, 2023: Gowana Middle School students making origami paper cranes and butterflies to brighten the days of children treated at The Melodies Clinic @ Albany Medical Center.
March 17, 2023: Gowana teacher, Jon Conover, shares his talents with students and staff by singing Irish songs for St. Patrick’s Day!
March 16, 2023: Gowana students enjoy playing Hedbanz during lunch in the Student Lounge.
February 28, 2023: Congratulations to Gowana’s PTA Honorary Life award recipients; Kathy Ricci and Caryn Simone.

Grapevine

November 8, 2023: My school bus has some windows welded/superglued open, So during freezing temperatures the windows stay open and you cant close them, Why is this allowed? (student)
October 30, 2023: Q: With Shen now supplying pencils to students do we have a contract with Ticonderoga pencils, and if so, how long does the contract last for? Shen seriously needs to change to a different brand of pencils. Ticonderoga used to be the stand alone best pencil, but their pencil quality has now degraded so much that we are lucky to get 3 or 4 pencils out of each 12 pack that sharpen normally without either the lead constantly breaking or the wood of the pencil not sharpening correctly where the other 8 or 9 pencils are basically wasted and is also a waste of district funds. Every teacher I have talked to (at the elementary level) has had the same problem, and it doesn’t matter what type of sharpener you use – school ones, handheld, electric, etc. Please consider changing brands as soon as it is possible to do so, thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!
October 30, 2023: Q: I was under the impression that the project to install Air Conditoning in Orenda was done this summer. My child told me that it is very hot in the school and that there is no A/C. Has the timeline for completion changed? Thank you.
March 22, 2023: (3/15/23) Q: Why was no announcement made to parents and guardians of a student being arrested and sent to juvenile detention after fighting with brass knuckles? (parent)
March 22, 2023: (3/8/23) Why is traffic an unexcused absence? On March 2nd the light on Moe road was green long enough to allow 2 cars through, Students like myself shouldn’t have to pay the price for something we have 0 control over. I left my house at 7:50 and didn’t get to school until 8:10 which was not my fault at all.
March 21, 2023: (3/7/21) Will shen offer AP Precalc in the future? (student)
March 21, 2023: (3/20/23) Q: It is my understanding that Shenendehowa hired an additional SRO this year. In years prior, we have always had an almost daily presence from our SRO. This year, weeks go by with out seeing one. What are the expectations and requirements? Should we only be seeing them once every few weeks at the elementary level? What benefit is the extra SRO providing if their presence is significantly less? (employee)
February 24, 2023: 2/24/23 – Q: Is it within district policy for Skano to have events where adult attendance is not overseen by the main office and the main entrance? For example, I recently attended their Valentine’s Day Kindergarten event. Parents signed-in and sign-out using the “honor system” and used a side door. I was told by a fellow parent that is standard policy there. They use the “honor system” or support staff, never the main office and never the main entrance. It seems as though it would go against safety regulations. Wouldn’t you want to closely monitor who is coming and going in your school building?
February 24, 2023: 2/24/23 – Q: February “break”/ April “break”- Who is this a break for? My daughter has homework/ project drafts in 3 classes. Why are teachers assigning these things over break weeks? – Parent
February 13, 2023: 2/13/22 – Just curious if there is any data on the success of the block schedule…Our kids are thriving with it. Also wondering from the teacher’s perspective… – Parent
February 10, 2023: 2/10/23 – Q: It would be helpful to know where the Class of 2022 decided to attend college. Is there a published list somewhere? – Parent
February 7, 2023: 2/7/23 Are absences due to state championship level sports competition excused if the sport is not affiliated with Shen? Student
February 7, 2023: 2/7/23 Why are we paying our security offices to be at away games.. is it not the away schools job to pay for security ? Parent
February 3, 2023: 2/3/23 2 part report card question.. 1.) It looks like “achievement list” means an average of 85+ ..Does it have anything else(meaning) attached to it? 2.) Can u go over the meaning of the effort and conduct numbers given? – parent
December 15, 2022: 12/15/22 please take care of the people hanging out in bathrooms at the high school. They are always taking the stalls and vaping. Student
December 15, 2022: 12/15/22 I feel as if my rights as a citizen have been violated by school employees. According to BOE Policy 8420, “people refusing to salute the flag may not be required to stand silently or leave the room. The act of standing itself is considered a ‘gesture of acceptance’ and the option of leaving the room is considered ‘punishment for nonparticipation.'” While making my way to advisory, I was forced to “stop for the pledge.” I believe that being stopped for the pledge against my will is an infraction of the policy. This is absolutely unacceptable. I expected Shenendehowa High School to actually follow their vision of making the school “a culturally-responsive and inclusive school community where respect and civility are modeled by all.” Clearly Shenendehowa is ill fit to educate students if they cannot even educate their staff on their own policies. Shen claims to hire for excellence, apparently seeking individuals who are “Open minded.” Shen may claim to such virtuous values, yet fails to even begin to realize them. Where are they in practice? Student
December 15, 2022: 12/15/22 Are senior final year graduation rankings calculated with weighted or unweighted grades? Student
November 30, 2022: 11/30/22 – When are the HS report cards going to be available on the portal. I checked Documents and Backpack but nothing is there. Thanks! – Parent
November 30, 2022: 11/30/22 – This may sound like a silly question, but is there any way to still obtain a 2019-2020 high school yearbook? I have a yearbook from every year except for that one so I just wanted to see if it would somehow be possible. Thanks – Student
November 30, 2022: 11/30/22 – Food service is charging $1 for fruit snacks and a bag of chips. These are not healthy items to begin with so I question why they are offered. But the price they are charging is unreasonable. Young kids especially do not understand that these items cost extra when the cafeteria workers offer them. – Parent
November 30, 2022: 11/30/22 – Is Shen Science night going to happen in 2023? – Community Member
November 3, 2022: 11/3/22 – When is the Junior Prom? – Student
November 2, 2022: 11/2/22 – I was told from teachers about senior skip day. Is it a legitimate excuse not to be in school? – Student
November 2, 2022: (Update from previous post) 11/2 – Where can I find the professional photos of the green and white awards taken this year? – Parent
November 1, 2022: 11/1/22 – Is there a “High School profile” document published somewhere on the Shen website? This is a document colleges use to compare/evaluate high schools and is usually available publicly, but largely unknown to students/parents. – Parent
November 1, 2022: 11/1/22 – Who is the yearbook vendor for HSE and HSW? – Parent
November 1, 2022: 11/1/22 – If my son, who is now a junior, passed his Global Regents last year, does he need to take the US History Regents this year? – Parent
October 31, 2022: 10/31/22 – If I have donations of Shenendehowa branded clothing, where can I drop them off? – Parent
October 31, 2022: 10/31/22 – Will Skano Elementary School continue to be allowed to have their all-female running club? – Parent
October 31, 2022: 10/31/22 – Will picture retakes be available for this year? If so, what day will they take place in High School West, and will the re-taken photos be added to the yearbook? – Student
September 22, 2022: 9/22/22 – Are parents allowed to pick up their children in the senior parking lot? – Parent
September 22, 2022: 9/22/22 – When will students be notified for National Merit Semifinalist? – Parent
September 22, 2022: 9/22/22 – Would it be possible to have someone directing traffic at the HSE drop-off in the morning, when turning back onto main campus road? I rarely drop off but had to two times since school started and both times it was almost impossible to turn out. – Parent
September 20, 2022: 9/20/22 – Why isn’t Driver Education being offered in person this Fall? – Parent
September 9, 2022: 9/9/22 – Who do I contact if I have concerns about a staff member? – Parent
September 9, 2022: 9/9/22 – My son still has old classes on his Google classroom. Can you tell us how to get rid of them? I’m not seeing a way to edit or get rid of classes. – Parent
September 8, 2022: 9/8/22 – Can HSE students pay cash for lunch? – Mary Moore, Parent
September 8, 2022: 9/8/22 – Will high school students be allowed to carry backpacks again this year? – Andrea Lala – Parent
September 7, 2022: 9/7/22 – Why are juniors who have JCP first block no longer allowed to have late arrival this year? This is a much needed benefit our junior was really looking forward to this year. That opportunity for extra sleep with a challenging course load, a sport, and a job would be such a help! – Parent
September 2, 2022: 9/2/22 – Is there a requirement for middle schoolers to do certain hours of volunteer work? Where can I find information on how to document their volunteering hours? – Parent
September 1, 2022: 9/1/22 – Will copies of final transcripts be sent home to seniors who graduated this June 2022? If not, how do we get a copy for our personal records? – Parent
September 1, 2022: 9/1/22 – When will the HSE gym floor renovations be complete? Disappointed that this isn’t done in time for the girls volleyball season. – Parent
September 1, 2022: 9/1/22 – Is it true that for the 2022-23 school year, we can now track our kids buses? – Parent
June 14, 2022: 6/14/22 – I used to upload videos for projects that I did in class to YouTube, however since then accessing videos uploaded by my school account has been disabled, so I have no way of accessing those videos. Would there be any way to recover these projects, as I would like to keep them. Thank you. – Student
June 14, 2022: 6/14/22 – What is the field construction going on to the south of Koda? – Shane Squires, Parent
June 9, 2022: 6/9/22 – If the Clifton Park Soccer Club is no longer playing rec games at Shatekon on weeknights, can they please remove the goals? They’re enticing to our students and they are not allowed to use them. Plus they are an eyesore. Thanks. – Employee
June 7, 2022: 6/7/22 – Are there plans to return to regular Driver’s Ed in the fall? – Parent
June 7, 2022: 6/7/22 – My son has Regents on the 15th, 16th, and 17th. After that does he need to return to school for the next week? – Parent
June 3, 2022: 6/3/22 – Who can I contact about getting access to past projects from art classes in order to put together a portfolio? – Gabby Catello, Former Student
June 2, 2022: 6/2/22 – Will students need cash to buy snacks at the Koda dance? – Parent
June 2, 2022: 6/2/22 – Is there a confidential way to report safety concerns to the district? For example, our building’s staff room has a door that does not lock. It has been brought to the building principal’s attention for years. – Employee
June 2, 2022: 6/2/22 – What colors are the cords for all the different honor societies at Graduation? – Student
May 25, 2022: 5/25/22 – I’d like to bring up how uninformed students and staff have been about the senior prom. Every question I’ve had there have been multiple faculty members who say they have no idea about anything that’s happening. I had no clue the guest form was due this week and would not have known if I hadn’t gone out of my way to email two separate administrators with questions. Please, become organized for next year. – Student
May 25, 2022: 5/25/22 – Regarding graduation at SPAC, why is there not a limit as to how many seats a family may save? At the very least, every parent/guardian should be guaranteed a seat. Please respond as I have read feedback after graduation in prior years at SPAC. – Parent
May 25, 2022: 5/25/22 – Why are students no longer allowed to leave a class on Google Classroom? This is problematic if a student is no longer in a club and needs to leave the class. It would be very helpful if this policy was revoked. – Student
May 24, 2022: 5/24/22 – When will the elementary schools be getting air conditioning? – Employee
May 24, 2022: 5/24/22 – Can you give us an explanation with what’s happening with Regents this year? I have had conflicting responses from different teachers. – Student
May 20, 2022: 5/20/22 – When will the aides and monitors be notified in writing about their end of the year work day requirements? For example – do we have to work the half days in June as half days or full days? – Employee
May 12, 2022: 5/12/22 – Where can I find information on the candiates for the school board? – Vincent Paruolo, Community Member
May 10, 2022: 5/10/22 – There was a photographer taking pictures Wed. May 4 of each athlete/family/coach at the signing ceremony for DI,II, & III colleges. How can I get pictures of my son? I can only see a photo of one girl online on Shen High School page. Your help is appreciated since we were seated next to my son and couldn’t take a picture. – Kara Matthews, Parent
May 6, 2022: 5/6/22 – Has a final decision been made regarding free meals continuing for students? – Community member
May 6, 2022: 5/6/22 – Can you please send ONE email to families stating that buses will be running late for the remainder of the year, instead of an email and a text every morning and every afternoon? – Parent
May 6, 2022: 5/6/22 – Is there school on Friday, May 27th? – Student
May 3, 2022: 5/3/22 – Any idea why the girls varsity basketball team was allowed to host their year-end banquet offsite at a hotel, while the girls varsity soccer team was told multiple times that we weren’t allowed to go offsite and had to host on campus? That definitely doesn’t seem fair. Why were we stuck in a cafeteria and auditorium versus the Hilton like we always go to? – Student
April 25, 2022: 4/25/22 – I saw that the question regarding the dates for Koda’s 8th grade dance and 8th grade Koda graduation was answered on March 8, 2022 and simply stated, “Those dates are still TBD. More communication to follow once plans are finalized.” It has been over a month and Koda families still have not received any information. Please advise. Thank you. – Parent
April 25, 2022: 4/25/22 – Please get teacher supervision in the main bathrooms at HSE. The smoking problem is a huge issue, especially in the morning before class. – Carlie Tucker, Student
April 25, 2022: 4/25/22 – If you did corrections on a quiz but the teacher hasn’t put in grade corrections when the due date to put in grades are over can they still put the grade in? – William Zhang, Student
April 22, 2022: 4/22/22 – “Why aren’t HS report cards for the 3rd quarter on the portal yet?” – Parent
April 13, 2022: 4/13/22 – In order to have a free lunch, do you have to get milk with your lunch? – Student
April 11, 2022: 4/11/22 – Why is the Grammarly extension on the Chrome web store blocked by the administration? And you better give a good reason because this is ridiculous. – Student
April 11, 2022: 4/11/22 – How can seniors who missed the Physics field trip last year join it this year? – Student
April 11, 2022: 4/11/22 – What happened to the Traffic Control Person at the High School East roundabout and school drive in the morning? Is there any way you can stop cars from taking a left turn from the roundabout onto school drive? This is blocking traffic in the round about during morning drop off. Thank you. – Vidya Mannepalli, Parent
April 11, 2022: 4/11/22 – Where could I find out more information about Shen’s Thrift Shop? – Parent
April 11, 2022: 4/11/22 – With the paper shortage the district is experiencing, should the PTA units be using building supplies? – Parent & Employee
April 4, 2022: 4/4/22 – Can we have all the information on the senior prom? I’m having a hard time finding any information. – Student
April 4, 2022: 4/4/22 – Can High School West students eat lunch in the library? – Benjamin Gaylord, Student
April 4, 2022: 4/4/22 – Is there a field trip for seniors at the end of the year? – Hope Tidgewell, Student
April 4, 2022: 4/4/22 – Does Gym count towards your GPA? – Student
April 1, 2022: 4/1/22 – Are there plans for an in person college fair at the HS anytime soon? – Student; Parent
March 31, 2022: 3/31/22 – Why do we keep using GoFan when they are charging our students service charges on everything? Prom tix are expensive enough and should not have a service charge attached. Students used to pay $1 to go to a football game and now tix have additional service charges. Either Shen should be absorbing this fee for our students or not use it for everything just because it’s confusing. Prom tix that are $85 each – $170 per couple should NOT have a service charge. – Parent
March 29, 2022: 3/29/22 – I am curious as to why the library enforces a seating policy extremely arbitrarily which prevents many students from receiving valuable peer tutoring, this is NOT a good learning environment. – Student
March 29, 2022: 3/29/22 – Is there an eSports team or gaming club in HSE or HSW? – Student
March 29, 2022: 3/29/22 – I heard that there are “furries” at the school and litter boxes in the nurse’s office? I am assuming it is a rumor, but I was just curious. Thanks for your help. – Parent
March 29, 2022: 3/29/22 – Hi, this is just a friendly request. In the high school when a student is cvl and there is a sub, it is typical for the.google meet not to be opened by the sub. I understand this and don’t raise an issue with it. However, some teachers don’t post a note on Google to let the CVL students know the teacher won’t be in and that there is no google meet. This leaves the conscientious student to keep trying to enter the meet for a long time in case a teacher is just late opening the meet, which happens sometimes too. My friendly request is this – can there be a better, reliable system in place so cvl students know there is a sub and therefore there is no google meet so a student doesn’t have to just keep trying to get into a class that isn’t even going to be opened? It’s really frustrating for a student. Thanks. – Parent
March 25, 2022: 3/25/22 – What happened to egg sandwiches at breakfast? – Student
March 25, 2022: 3/25/22 – Does Shen offer a “Green Club” or a club that students can participate in to learn about, support and influence decisions that support the school’s sustainability plan? – Renee Devine, Parent
March 25, 2022: 3/25/22 – Is there a summer camp program for Tennis in 2022? Who can I contact to get more information? – Parent
March 25, 2022: 3/25/22 – Can transgender students use whatever bathroom they choose? – Student
March 14, 2022: 3/14/22 – What is the weight average and unweighted average to last year’s valedictorian and salutatorian? – Jing Bourassa, Parent
March 11, 2022: 3/11/22 – Why did Shen shut down the Republican Club? – Student
March 11, 2022: 3/11/22 – Several years ago there was an organization on campus that gave away Prom Dresses. Can you help me identify this organization so we can donate? – Parent
March 11, 2022: 3/11/22 – Will a senior get anything special for having a class rank in the top 10 like in the past? – Student
March 11, 2022: 3/11/22 – Where is the junior prom going to be held? – Student
March 11, 2022: 3/11/22 – Is the GPA and class rank recalculated at the end of senior year? Does it affect anything? – Student
March 8, 2022: 3/8/22 – What are the dates for the eighth grade dance and the eighth grade Koda graduation? – Parent
March 8, 2022: 3/8/22 – Would it be possible to have an SIS email message distributed to parents when report cards were final and available on the Parent Portal? Thank you. – Parent
March 8, 2022: 3/8/22 – Am I correct that lunch in HSE has been reduced to pizza (1 slice) one day and mozzarella sticks the alternating day? Salad and fruit…No meats, chicken patties, stuffed smells etc. If so, why? – Parent
March 8, 2022: 3/8/22 – What is Superintendent’s Conference Day? What happens? And why do we miss school? Just curious. – Student
March 8, 2022: 3/8/22 Will Shen get charging ports for electric cars added to school parking lots? – Employee
March 8, 2022: 3/8/22 – I am concerned about the school allowing dogs in the buildings. I understand dogs may help calm some students, but what about the students that are afraid of dogs? My child is very nervous around dogs and becomes very anxious. An unleashed dog ran into his classroom recently and jumped on his desk. This does not create a safe environment for all students. – Parent and Employee
February 16, 2022: 2/16/22 – I’m concerned about the “sweeping” of hallways in the High School. Who can I speak to with my concerns? – Student
February 16, 2022: 2/16/22 – Is there anyone you can contact to receive a list of all your grades from Kindergarten through 12th grade? – Student
February 16, 2022: 2/16/22 – Is there anywhere I can see who my CAP is?
February 16, 2022: 2/16/22 – When is Junior Prom? – Student
February 16, 2022: 2/16/22 – Has Shen ever considered building an elementary school in Halfmoon with all the new growth in that area? – Parent
February 16, 2022: 2/16/22 – When is the High School Graduation Day for 2022? – Tracey Costello, Parent
February 16, 2022: 2/16/22 – Where can I view the High School achievement lists? – Parent
February 8, 2022: 2/8/22 – If you did not take Accelerated Art in 8th grade, can you still take high school art courses, such as photography? – Student
February 8, 2022: 2/8/22 – Why are some people “cleared” from wearing a mask? – Student
February 8, 2022: 2/8/22 – Where can I find archives of past Shen news/announcements? – Aidan Westphal, Parent
February 8, 2022: 2/8/22 – Have the Infinite Campus passwords been compromised? – Student
February 8, 2022: 2/8/22 – Is there a complete list of all the students listed in the Memorial Garden as of January 28, 2022? – Community member
February 8, 2022: 2/8/22 – Why would the junior prom be planned for the same day as the SAT? Poor planning and this date should be reevaluated. – Parent
February 8, 2022: 2/8/22 – How can I go about getting an early release for the second semester? – Student
February 8, 2022: 2/8/22 – Where can I view the High School achievement list? I’ve only been able to find Koda listed online. – Parent
January 31, 2022: 1/31/22 – Why does Shen not have a theater program? How do we make our “theater club” become a program? – Parents, Students and Teachers
January 28, 2022: 1/28/22 – Where can schedules for school delays and half days be found? – Student
January 28, 2022: 1/28/22 – Why, if none of the Language Departments are allowed to do international travel in the 21-22 school year, is the Science Department still allowing the trip to Belize during Feb. 2022? – Parent
January 24, 2022: 1/24/22 – Will the school be providing sport physicals for Spring sport clearance? My doctor is booked until May 2022. – Marlene Sweet, Parent
January 21, 2022: 1/21/22 – Why are some Regents such as Global in January vs. June the end of the year? And if January exams were canceled, does that mean students won’t be taking a Global Regents? – Parent
January 19, 2022: 1/19/22 – What age can you drive a bus? – Student
January 18, 2022: 1/18/22 – If I have the Google Classroom app on my phone or am signed into my Shen email on my phone, can the software that has been deployed view my phone screen? – Student
January 18, 2022: 1/18/22 – Has Shen ever considered doing the “Test Drive A Bus” event on a weekend or later in the afternoon? I know many interested people who cannot go during the morning during a weekday. There may be better attendance and outcomes from an off-time event. – Community Member
January 14, 2022: 1/14/22 – Does the High School East cafeteria sell breakfast? If so, where and when? – Student
January 14, 2022: 1/14/22 – Where can we see the total number of COVID cases per school? – Parent
January 14, 2022: 1/14/22 – When will a decision be announced regarding March’s Superintendent’s Conference Day? – Employee
December 22, 2021: 12/22/21 – Why has Grammarly been disabled on the school Chromebooks? – Student
December 10, 2021: 12/10/21 – Has Shen ever thought about using other vendors to sell their athletic apparel other than WickedSmart? The things they sell (that being mostly hoodies and uniforms) are unreasonably expensive, not the mention the very long delivery times and high shipping prices. – Parent
December 10, 2021: 12/10/21 – Would it be possible to share on Facebook the monthly menus?
December 6, 2021: 12/6/21 – How would I be able to see and interact with the therapy dogs at High School East? I see them often but I never see them in use. – Student
November 30, 2021: 11/30/21 – Where should I park when picking up my child at HSW between 2:30-2:40pm? – Parent
November 29, 2021: 11/29/21 – Why is the TI CONNECT CE App blocked on the chrome web store for chromebooks? Is it against the rules of Shen to have useful programs on your calculator? – Student
November 18, 2021: 11/18/21 – Hi, I was wondering why the high school lunches are being switched to three forty minute lunches. There will be way more people in each lunch than there is currently and that’s doesn’t seem safe in terms of COVID spread. Also it takes so long to get through the lunch line already and this will just make it even longer. I remember when I was a freshman and sophomore we had the period schedule and there was always four lunches because of the amount of kids in each lunch. So why, during covid times, are we packing more kids into the cafeteria when we don’t have enough space currently with the four lunches. Also, the overlapping time is really helpful for meeting with teachers if you have an adjacent lunch to theirs and you don’t have any other time to ask them questions or meet with them. Please reconsider having three lunches and keep the four lunches! Thank you. – Student
November 15, 2021: 11/15/21 – Why did Pixlr get blocked? Some people use it for class assignments. – Student
November 15, 2021: 11/15/21 – Hello. Many students including myself recently learned of a program that allows teachers to view the screens of students’ chromebooks from their desks to make sure they are doing their work. While I personally have no problem with this inside of school, can the application be used on the students outside of school, and can the application access the webcam of students’ chromebooks? Thank you. – Student
November 12, 2021: 11/12/21 – Where can parents find tutoring information? The links on the counseling page cannot be accessed without a student school account. – Parent
November 8, 2021: 11/8/21 – Why do some sports charge admission for regular season games, does the school keep that money? – Community Member
November 8, 2021: 11/8/21 – Shen should add a UK flag to the Flag collection in HSE. – Student
November 8, 2021: 11/8/21 – The voluntary testing for COVID,of the unvaccinated children, what chemicals are in the swabs used for the test? – Kelly Rysedorph – Parent
November 8, 2021: 11/8/21 – Please find a better way to keep parents out of the student parking lot. There are far too many of them at the end of the day and the overcrowding makes trying to get out of the lot as a student extremely stressful and borderline dangerous. They should not be allowed into the parking lot when not even half of our grade can get a pass to park in there. They can use the circle like everyone else. – Student
November 8, 2021: 11/8/21 – Why was Quizlet blocked? – Student
October 15, 2021: 10/15/21 – How come we have less time for lunch this year than normally? We have 40 minutes of lunch but that also includes the 6 minutes needed to get back to class. Is there a requirement for how long of a lunch break we need? – Student
October 15, 2021: 10/15/21 – How come we can’t have JCP during 3rd block? If you can trust students to have the ability to freely roam, then you can trust them to not sit in the cafeteria. Students that meet the criteria are likely to have work to do anyways. – Student
October 12, 2021: 10/12/21 – I thought varsity coaches are not allowed to coach at the club level for the same age group they coach at high school? Is this something that is now allowed because there is an absolute conflict of interest! Don’t be fooled thinking there isn’t. The favoritism undeniable. This has been asked before so please give us an accurate response. – Parent
October 12, 2021: 10/12/21 – How much did the Shen School district receive in federal pandemic relief funds and how was or will be spent? – Louis Harth, Community Member
October 5, 2021: 10/5/21 – Are you guys still offering black and white photography classes using the darkroom? I couldn’t imagine where I would be nowadays if I hadn’t learned photography skills in high school. – Alumni
October 5, 2021: 10/5/21 – When will Naviance show our class rank? – Michelle, Student
October 5, 2021: 10/5/21 – What date does the trimester end and new one begin for elementary school? – Sharese Hanson, Parent
September 29, 2021: 9/29/21 – What is the correct username and password for the SHEN-BYOD WiFi? – Student
September 28, 2021: 9/28/21 – What happened to the public WiFi at HSE? – Student
September 24, 2021: 9/24/21 What is the earliest HSE opens to students in the morning? – Maddie Huang, Student
September 24, 2021: 9/24/21 – What is the username and password to the SHEN-BYOD WiFi? I tried my Google account login and it didn’t work. – Student
September 21, 2021: 9/21/21 – Where do we find the passwords for Shen BYOD and others that require passwords? – Bella Kreitner, Student
September 21, 2021: 9/21/21 – What does flex mean on the middle school schedule? – Laura Ivy & Allen S., Parents
September 15, 2021: 9/15/21 – There needs to be someone preventing parents from picking up students in the student parking lot. At the end of the day, the parking lot is overly crowded, parents are blocking students from being able to leave and it gets extremely hectic. I was wondering if this would be a possibility going forward? – Student
September 14, 2021: 9/14/21 – With us having Thursday 9/16 off, will the high school schedule skip a day? Thursday is supposed to be a C day, so will Friday be a C or D day? – Student
September 10, 2021: 9/10/21 – We’re concerned about bus capacity during high transmission. Is it possible to be dropped off during these times and take the bus at lower transmission rates, or would we need to contact transportation? – Student
September 9, 2021: 9/9/21 – Is the cumulative GPA shown on our portal accounts weighted or unweighted? – Student
September 9, 2021: 9/9/21 – Are chicken patties/pizza always offered at lunch at HSE? – Student
September 7, 2021: 9/7/21 – What does JPC mean on my schedule? – Student
September 3, 2021: 9/3/21 – I was wondering if there were maps of Koda Middle School and HSE that parents/students can print out? Similar to the ones that are handed out at walkthroughs? – Betsy Graham, Parent
September 1, 2021: 9/1/21 – Are students required to take swim this year? – Judy Mahoney, Parent
September 1, 2021: 9/1/21 – Where can students store their athletic gear for after school practices? – Student
August 30, 2021: 8/30/21 – Why does my portal account say “Blended Learning Group CVL?” I am not CVL. – Student
August 30, 2021: 8/30/21 – Will students be able to go on field trips this year at any point (following COVID guidelines)? – Firdous Ahmed, Student
August 26, 2021: 8/26/21 – I’m attending a new school this upcoming school year, and once I leave I assume my shenschools account and all the data associated with it will be deleted. I was wondering if there’s a way I could download all of it onto a flashdrive so I don’t lose it, and how to do so? – Gillian Rajchel, Student
August 23, 2021: 8/23/21 Will all students be provided with free breakfast and lunch again this year? – Parent
August 12, 2021: 8/12/21 – When will elementary students learn who their teachers are? – Charlie Cahill, Parent
August 12, 2021: 8/12/21 – For 2021-22 school year, will all high school students with study halls at the beginning or end of day be able to have “late arrival” and “early release” as they did in the 2020-21 school year? – Parent
August 10, 2021: 8/10/21 – We have students that are registered through Shen (we live in the district) but we are choosing to send them to private school. Because they are enrolled through Shen they have an IEP through Shen and we get their textbooks through Shen. With the extension of free breakfast and lunches, how do students enrolled through Shen but do not attend in person classes on campus access those free meals during the school year? Is there a pick up location? A drop off program? I am aware of the summer lunch program but this specific question is about the academic school year for 2021-2022 for Shen enrolled students attending private school. – Parent
July 28, 2021: How can a local vendor become a certified Shen Shop retailer?
June 28, 2021: I would like to thank all of the cleaners that helped keep our kids safe. I hope the school district gives these people some kind of a bonus. They worked all though covid. They were exposed to all kinds of chemicals and took on extra duty’s. Without the cleaners and support staff schools couldn’t open the buildings. I appreciate all of you. Thank you for keeping my child safe.
June 21, 2021: Will Shen consider exempting students from gym who participate in competitive sports outside of school as other districts do?
June 17, 2021: If I were to put up pride flags for pride month at the middle school, would I get in trouble?
June 17, 2021: My spanish teacher said that a medal is given for having the Seal of Biliteracy- is this true?
June 16, 2021: How do I get a refund of the balance available in my senior’s PayPams account?
June 11, 2021: Is it possible to book a Shen gym or athletic field? And a follow-up question, could we book the middle school rooftop for a concert?
June 9, 2021: What are Shen’s rules regarding dress code?
June 9, 2021: Will masks be required outdoors at Graduation?
June 7, 2021: Are Graduation medals based on weighted or non-weighted GPA and is the GPA rounded up (ex. 94.935 = 95)? If a medal is earned when are they distributed to graduating seniors?
June 7, 2021: What do the gold tassels signify?
June 1, 2021: With the addition of the Giveback Day and Juneteenth, what will be the expectation for aides and monitors who, unlike the teachers, now need to work to compensate their base pay?
June 1, 2021: How do we sign up for the Tri-M honors society?
June 1, 2021: Could you please explain what “axiomatic learning” at Shen means?
May 30, 2021: I’m feeling really overwhelmed and depressed. What resources does Shen have to help me address these issues?
May 28, 2021: Please, I’ve been hearing some talk about re opening schools fully. I just want Shen to know, if we have an option for CVL, that would be amazing. If New York lets their schools decide, please whoever controls this, understand that we would appreciate a CVL option next year in High School East. Please, we would appreciate options.
May 24, 2021: On the calendar I saw that the week after the end of school for high schoolers is something called “June Academy” I’ve never heard of this before, do you know what it is?
May 24, 2021: Now that the BOE elections are over can we get the candidates to remove their signs surrounding the campus.
May 24, 2021: are senior grades counted into GPA or class rank?
May 24, 2021: what if you fail a language class, do you need to do summer courses?
May 19, 2021: The revised school calendar only shows the new days off/Regents days. It does not show which days the HS groups are in school or virtual.
May 14, 2021: I’d like to offer a suggestion regarding school board candidates. I, as a taxpayer, parent, and employee of the district, am not interested in where someone attended college. I am far more interested in what they’ve done since then and what involvement they have in the town and community, i.e., PTA board member, community volunteering, personal experience within Shen. Going forward perhaps allow for 4 or 5 questions on significant topics affecting our students and community and have that in their bio’s as well. I know that my views, based on my personal and professional life experience has changed significantly since my college years. I also would like to encourage all the candidates to be sure to include support staff in your discussions and decision-making. They are an integral part of our students’ educations.
May 3, 2021: I saw a question about moving your google data to a normal gmail account before changing districts, does this also work if you’re going to graduate from Shen and want to preserve your data?
April 27, 2021: The Board agenda for the special board meeting on April 21, 2021 states that the board meeting video will be posted the next day. It’s now April 26, and the board meeting video is still not posted on the Youtube channel. Additionally, the agenda did not include a link so that the public could watch the meeting as it was underway. Why was the public not able to watch the meeting as it was being held? Also, why is the video still not accessible for the public to view?
April 16, 2021: In the original calendar for 2020-2021, Monday June 21 was a holiday for the observance of Juneteenth. In the revised calendar, it is not. According to NYSED’s website, June 18th is the day for observance (i.e. no Regents exams given that day.) Can you please clarify which day Shenendehowa students will be off in observance of Juneteenth?
April 1, 2021: Can you pull a copy of your transcript from the portal?
April 1, 2021: Where does Shen get its stuffed shells? I love those.
March 16, 2021: What is the plan for the 2021 Graduation ceremony?
March 11, 2021: How can you join FBLA/DECA next year?
March 11, 2021: Q: Who is entitled to have support from a classroom aide at the elementary level? I have concerns and feel this needs to be addressed by the district moving forward. We all work under the same STA contract.
February 22, 2021: As a graduate, who do I contact for a transcript without access to the portal?
February 17, 2021: How can I get a copy of my school tax receipt?
February 9, 2021: My child is in 7th grade and gets so much homework. Their teachers assign many assignments that are more than three pages, every few days. I do understand that the kids are learning and they need to be more responsible with how they spend their time, but this homework is creating additional stress and anxiety into my child’s life. Is there anybody we can talk to about this?
February 8, 2021: Why does SHEN-BYOD wifi need registration every time the device connected to the wifi either turns off or disconnects? I just am asking why it cannot be just able to connect automatically instead of doing the registration once manually and not needing to manually connect again.
February 8, 2021: Is there an expectation for high school teachers to update the portal with grades in a timely manner? Or is it acceptable for them to post multiple grades after the view has been turned off for the quarter?
February 4, 2021: Why can’t I see any question past November 23, 2020? Isn’t there a “more” page? Why not?
February 3, 2021: Can you put the COVID delay/early release bell schedule in a link with the other schedules or the delay information?
February 1, 2021: There were recently two positive covid cases in Y-Time at one of the elementary schools, causing many students to quarantine. Nothing was posted about these positive cases either in the reporting of COVID notifications. Y-time may not be part of the school system, but the way they allow the students to literally sit on top of each other and touch each other impacts the school when those students leave Y-time and enter their classrooms. Taking temperatures apparently is not going to stop COVID cases from spreading. Has Shen given any thought to how Y-time is run?
January 27, 2021: in the middle school are we allowed to bring coffee, tea, juice, etc. as long as they are sealed?
January 27, 2021: what are the psats and what it on them?
January 7, 2021: Is there accelerated LOTE?
December 16, 2020: Can you get a medal at graduation if you weighted gpa is over 95, but your unweighted isn’t?
November 23, 2020: What are green and white awards? I got a letter in the mail for them!
September 29, 2020: You did not answer the question of why masks without air filters are allowed. Why are they not allowed? Is it distracting?
September 29, 2020: Are phone notifications enabled for campus portal? If not, how can we get them enabled? If so, how do you turn them on?
September 25, 2020: What the procedure when a teacher or student tests positive, like the case at Chango? Is the whole class required to get tested, are they directed to stay home, is the classroom immediately sanitized?
September 11, 2020: The letter we received from the School nurses, indicated our children will be sent home “immediately” if they display certain illness symptoms. Runny nose or cough were among those symptoms listed. It further stated my child will be required to be seen by a medical professional and have a Covid-19 test performed before returning. It is fall, it is allergy season….an occasional cough and/or runny nose is not an acceptable reason to put a child (and parent) through all of this. I understand the DOH is requiring this however I hope the school is advocating for the children as the community is.
September 11, 2020: Why does Shen refuse the ban the confederate flag being worn on campus? If Guilderland can, we should too.
September 8, 2020: I am new to Clifton park and not sure how things work around here my daughter will be going to 2nd grade !! And heard nothing but great things about the school ; but how do I get started with parent portal ??
September 8, 2020: Why were campus roads closed for one day?
August 24, 2020: Will all of the students on a particular bus all be from the same elementary school?
August 11, 2020: Could you please provide examples of what the requested activity fees found on elementary school supply lists might be used for since most likely field trips and in-school programs will not be taking place?
August 11, 2020: I’m hearing concerns that the District isn’t being completely transparent with respect to the number of Covid-19 cases in our Shen community. I completely respect HIPAA, but parents, teachers, and other employees are being asked to make serious decisions about our children and families without knowing whether there is one case or 20. Some parents believe there are no cases or only one case, because it seems as if only the first case will be reported (Times Union reported a second? Are there more? How would we know?), which gives a false sense of security. We really need to know much/how fast this is spreading to make critical, informed decisions. Other districts around the country are reporting number of total cases, why don’t we deserve the same? This can be done without violating privacy.
August 10, 2020: What is the new statue outside of OKTE and where did the money come from to build it?
August 3, 2020: When will the district release the question and answer document about reopening that it promised?
July 17, 2020: I know the school name, Shenendahowa, means settlers of the plains, which is why we are called the Plainsmen. However, it seems odd to me that we use a native language for our school name and use traditional native crafts to represent our school through logos, such as that of the Shen Shop. If our school is priding itself on native culture, shouldn’t we do more to make sure we are respecting and honoring their culture, not taking it for branding? And shouldn’t we, school-wide, further our education on the tribes that used to reside here, if we are using their language and culture?
July 17, 2020: how do I get HSE to do high school musical for their musical?
July 17, 2020: If non-consumable school supplies are to be purchased and provided by the district, how are the elementary schools able to require the purchase of scissors and headphones?
May 14, 2020: My Shen google account on restricted mode blocked two of the videos released by the college board that are for AP us history review, is there a way that they can unblock them so students can watch the videos.
March 5, 2020: So I like to take advantage of the sidewalks and paths throughout the campus. Why is it that when there is a game on the soccer/lax fields across from Tesago, cars are allowed to park on the path behind the bleachers? Are these legal parking spots?
March 5, 2020: can a girl wear a short dress to prom (appropriate length of course)? or does it have to be a long, floor-length formal dress?
February 21, 2020: Would I get in trouble if I downloaded a vpn onto my chrombook? If so how much?
February 21, 2020: what information about discipline action by law are you actually allowed to give out
February 21, 2020: what are the requirements to attend junior prom
February 21, 2020: If a student gets passing grades in 10th grade global for all 4 quarters but fails the Regents, how is it determined whether the student is considered to have passed the class for credit? I’d the failing Regents exam calculated into that determination so that the student might fail the class and the Regents? Or does the student get credit for the class but not for the Regents? For some students this could make the difference between graduating and not graduating since for basic Regents a student only needs to pass 1 social studies regents.
February 21, 2020: How long does Shen keep transcripts for former students? I heard that some schools are required to keep transcripts forever while some are not.
January 31, 2020: why aren’t our locker combinations on the student portal? Its already password protected I don’t see the point in making a student go to the office for this information…
January 31, 2020: As a student, I find it extremely inappropriate for teachers to speak about their political opinions to their classes. I am in full support of students partaking in political conversations and debates among themselves, in class or in the halls… but when teachers decide to push their opinions down the students throats, it limits the students opportunity for free thought, free speech, and a safe space. A school is a learning environment, not one to feel embarrassed for your political views. Teachers can express their views at home, but their job is a professional place where they help students learn to form their own opinions. Today, my English teacher and my French teacher both were expressing their political views in class and the whole class felt uncomfortable. Please, make this stop! It’s seriously unprofessional for a school environment! Thank you!
January 31, 2020: Please, please, please institute a policy banning oil diffusers from classrooms and offices. They agitate asthma, cause headaches, and smell gross. Pumping perfume into the air in a closed classroom/office makes some people sick. It is not necessary and there is no science that proves it helps students learn.
January 31, 2020: The new Seal of Biliteracy requirement is unnecessary and takes time away from what the course is supposed to teach us. We had to use up class time because Shen wants the whole world to know that all of its students are “bilingual” when everyone knows that 95% of students do not actually learn to speak the language they take fluently. This is a waste of class time and should be optional as it once was. Making it a requirement takes away its importance to the students who actually care and wanted be recognized for truly excelling in their LOTE class. This project does nothing to prove the biliteracy of students, all it does it add more stress and take away from class time.
January 31, 2020: Are 9th grade latin students required to take the national latin exam? If so, why?
January 17, 2020: Why do bus numbers keep going up when new buses are purchased? Why not just keep the same numbers as the old buses? There is no way Shen has upwards of 700 buses. What will happen once the number reaches 1000?
December 20, 2019: why is there sonicwall?, if there are a million ways to get past the schools blocking systems, like vpns, etc. even though they are against the rules they are completely discrete. Why does the school even bother with trying to block all this if it only takes a min or 2 to get past it? it’s just a hassle for students to take their minute or 2 to breach it.
December 20, 2019: If there is a snow day on what is supposed to be an A day, is it skipped and the next day is B?
December 6, 2019: Is there a time limit on how long you can visit at the high school?
December 6, 2019: I’m wondering why not all questions are answered in posts. There might be multiple questions asked in one comment, but only one might be answered extensively, and the others ignored. Why is this?
December 6, 2019: how does someone sign up for sports?
December 6, 2019: There should be a shuttle bus from hse to the cph library! I know many many students who have to walk because they don’t have rides. Walking takes a long time, and with the winter coming they would much rather prefer taking transportation. This would be extremely beneficial to many students!
December 6, 2019: Did they seriously add recess to middle school??????
December 6, 2019: I am sure you are bombarded with traffic concerns, but I was just wondering if Shen HS was going to get anymore traffic men. Coming out from the circle after morning drop off and making a left onto the main campus road can be so dangerous, as well as leaving the main parking lot and making a left again after school . So many near miss accidents every single day, morning and afternoon. I know the aim was to make it better, but it is so much worse. Every outlet in the am and pm needs a traffic person.
December 6, 2019: My high school child has been skipping gym class. I have spoken to her, but she continues to rebel. What is the school policy regarding skipping? I feel that she needs to be reprimanded at school as well as at home. Looking for help.
December 6, 2019: Are teachers suppose to have their doors propped open during class?
December 6, 2019: Are kids fined for driving without a parking pass?
December 6, 2019: My child is a senior. She is telling me that there are days called ‘senior skip days’. Can you explain what this is? Are they really allowed to skip school with no repercussions?
November 20, 2019: Why isn’t Shen more lenient with snow days if they don’t get withheld from public funding? Just curious, as I see you already have a lot of comments from other parents talking about this issue.
November 1, 2019: Under what level of administrative office is the frequency of standardized testing delegated?
November 1, 2019: I need help changing my chromebook password, and the online instructions are confusing, where can I go for help?
November 1, 2019: if i skateboard to school at west can i keep my board in my locker until i go home
October 1, 2019: If you are in crew for the drama club, will you automatically be in crew for the musical, or will you have to interview again?
October 1, 2019: How does an athlete get a lettersmans jacket?
October 1, 2019: Is it true that Shen football players have to pay themselves to have their names printed on their jerseys. And that there are several players who don’t have personalized jerseys?
October 1, 2019: when someone is suspended what is “alternate forms of instruction”
September 30, 2019: How are eligible Juniors considered for membership into NHS or the various subject Honor Societies? Do they receive an invitation to apply?
September 9, 2019: Can I vape in my car in the parking lot? I’m 18
September 9, 2019: do the highschoolers get to keep their chromebooks after they graduate
September 9, 2019: can ninth graders buy their 500e lenovo chromebooks in 12th grade?
September 9, 2019: Are final grades at Shen High School given every quarter or semester?
September 9, 2019: How would one in high school be able to ride a different bus than their usual route?
September 9, 2019: Why are the accelerated english/social studies kids forced to take cult lit in 9th grade? Is there any way Shen could offer ap world history instead?
September 9, 2019: May I wear a shirt that says “Virginity Rocks” to school? I couldn’t find any rules against it. Please answer
September 9, 2019: How many years ago did Shen start charging seniors for parking passes?
September 9, 2019: How often are grapevine messages answered?
September 9, 2019: Do HSW and HSE students ride the buses together?
September 9, 2019: This is the 3rd post requesting information regarding the teachers arbitrating to be paid extra for working the Thursday before Memorial Day weekend. What is going on with this?
August 28, 2019: Does the high school nurse have pregnancy tests available?
August 28, 2019: I’m wondering whose hand I can shake for the shiny new guard rails at Shen to keep the parents from going on the grass to pass traffic. So many close calls with kids. So grateful for the improvements!
August 28, 2019: Do you know anyone who grades the EDTPA?
August 28, 2019: Is there still time to change course selections in the high school level? I’m debating on making changes and want to know if that’s a possibility at this point in the summer.
August 28, 2019: Saw your comment about National Merit Scholarship consideration and the PSAT. I think your response was inaccurate. I do believe that the second time it’s given in the fall of Jr. year is when it counts toward National Merit Scholarship consideration. Am I correct in that?
August 28, 2019: It is now July 30th, how come there is no 4th quarter achievement lists posted? These kids work hard to accomplish this honor.
August 9, 2019: Some colleges have the ability to allow students to retain access to their college Google and Microsoft accounts. Why is Shen not able to allow seniors to maintain access to their Google accounts after graduating?
August 9, 2019: when is the next bus auction?
August 9, 2019: What are the guidelines for Shen employees using Twitter? Does anyone monitor what is posted? There was a post on the Shen athletic page that probably shouldn’t have been posted.
August 9, 2019: can you still graduate advanced regents even if you fail the checkpoint b exam?
August 9, 2019: Who can I contact for immediate action regarding issues with my Shen Google account?
August 9, 2019: Are there spots at West and East for students to lock their bikes? (Designated bike spots or just general benches)
August 9, 2019: We missed out signing up for the summer driver’s ed program. Could someone please explain how the fall driver’s ed program works (like what time has it generally been (before or after school) and what days)? Thank you.
August 9, 2019: My daughter is entering 9th grade. The School Supply list references needing the TI-84 Plus or the TI-84 Plus Silver Edition Graphing Calculator. Can the students also have the TI-84 CE Graphing Calculator? “CE” stands for Color Enhancement and this calculator is approved for the SAT, ACT and AP classes. Can this calculator be used in all high school classes? I don’t want to buy it and then have a problem after the fact. Thanks!
August 9, 2019: When will registration be open for Fall Drivers Education?
July 10, 2019: How do you earn medals for graduation?
July 10, 2019: do you stop answering grapevine messages over the summer?
July 10, 2019: Does the checkpoint b exam count as a regents since it is done during regents week?
July 10, 2019: Hello, how do I go about a getting a stone in the student garden for my son who was a shen student that passed away?
July 10, 2019: Is it true that Middle Schoolers are getting 9 weeks of summer vacation this year, when we usually get 10?
July 10, 2019: In what cases would a 10th grade student be recommended for summer school? Also, if a student were to fail a SINGLE core class such as geometry or biology, would they be recommended for summer school, or forced to retake the class?
July 10, 2019: Is there a way i can get free cafeteria food?
July 10, 2019: What is the policy in regards to bringing in my own computer?
July 10, 2019: What is the school policy related to dogs on campus? At school activities outside, at drop off or pick up, sporting events etc. For parents of students and employees… I am not referring to certified service dogs or therapy dogs. Thank you.
June 6, 2019: During regents week for the late bus pickups, do students need a pass to get on the bus like the do for late buses on a typical school day? If so, where can students get a pass?
June 6, 2019: If I am a junior and have my license, am I allowed to drive to school during regents week? I have to go to work immediately after most of my exams so this is important to know beforehand.
June 3, 2019: Who would I need to talk to to find out what happens if the screen to my chrome book is broken? Also how much do I need to pay to replace it.
June 3, 2019: Who do I take to about raising the buses speed limit on the highway from 55mph to 65mph..these buses going 55 cause a lot of slowdowns and near accidents..not good
June 3, 2019: what sports qualify you for a varsity letter? JV letter? and your graduation year numbers? I have heard some JV sports don’t get letters and only freshman sports get the graduation year numbers. Do modified sports get anything? Can you buy them somewhere if you don’t receive them even when you are on a school team?
June 3, 2019: Hi, I am just wondering the reason why the new coming 6th graders next year get these very new advanced chromebooks. Personally, considering that the sixth graders here can’t even be trusted with playing games or not in class with THERE chromebooks, Why should these new 6th graders get touchscreen chromebooks?? I personally think its unfair and a little bit of waste of shen’s money. How does shen even afford new chromebooks every year?? I am just curious, Not protesting.
June 3, 2019: Is there a way that the class of 2023 when they go into highschool and get new computers is there anyway that they could possibly keep the chromebooks they had before and have all the school stuff and sonicwall deleted and given to them as a personal computer for them to own and keep
June 3, 2019: Has Shen considered purchasing Tesla buses?
May 22, 2019: I understand filling a big bus in the morning with 15-35 students but how does the district justify wasting the fuel on sending a large bus for 1 special ed child? Doesn’t seem efficient
May 22, 2019: when shen desktops and chromebooks get old does shen auction them off? if so where?
May 22, 2019: How would a junior go about contacting IMS? There’s a slight issue that i want to discuss.
May 22, 2019: Are you allowed to learn a language outside of Shen and still get credit for it?
May 10, 2019: Where is the Middle School Auditorium located — where the middle school parent information meetings will be held this week?
May 10, 2019: Does Shen have a plan to make the buses more efficient for the Earth? I mean come on each bus when on full takes 100 gallons of diesels and take 10 quarts of oil..that adds up.
May 10, 2019: I’m a junior and I’ll be attending summer school, can I drive myself there?
May 10, 2019: Does the HSE library have old copies of yearbooks? If they do, how far back do they go?
May 10, 2019: How does one get a new student ID at west?
May 3, 2019: What is Shen going to do with the hundreds of Chromebooks that current eight graders have when they move to high school since they’re all getting new ones?
May 3, 2019: This is in regards to your response about the dress code. You said, “Keep in mind that boy’s…have to wear shirts to cover their body as well.” The boys on the track/cross country team routinely run wearing only shorts and shoes. The girls are expressly forbidden from wearing only shorts, shoes, and a sports bra. Is seeing the midsection of a girl different than seeing the midsection of a boy? We teach our kids that the same rules apply to all, when their actual experience shows otherwise.
May 3, 2019: Can i use my locker neighbors old locker to store my own stuff? They moved away and told me the combo so i could use it(middle school)
May 3, 2019: How does a parent or child sign up for summer school? Is there busing for these students or is it up to the parent to bring them and pick them up?
May 3, 2019: how come juniors can’t park in the second parking lot at west? it never gets filled throughout the day so why does it matter so much?
April 18, 2019: Here’s an idea: How about instead of teaching girls to cover up their bodies because it might distract boys, teach boys to be decent human beings and control themselves. If someone in the school can’t handle seeing a bra strap or a belly button without freaking out, that is their own fault. Dress codes teach underage girls that their bodies are inherently sexual, and that rather than wearing what is comfortable for them (especially when it’s hot outside), they should cover up so as not to disrupt the learning process of some out of control teenage boys. I am sixteen years old. The sexualization of my body isn’t my fault. It’s the fault of whoever failed to teach these people to be respectful and decent to women. Just a thought as we head into the summer season.
April 18, 2019: does shen have rotc
April 18, 2019: Can you use your phone at the high schools?
April 18, 2019: Why do teachers have to switch between classrooms at HSE so often? Also, why is there not a series of classrooms in each hallway dedicated to one subject? In one of my classrooms, throughout the day there is a Social Studies, German, and Spanish class in the same room.
April 18, 2019: Where can I find my locker combination?
April 18, 2019: How does someone get a new student ID from the High School?
April 18, 2019: Hi, I am a 6th grade student and I was wondering how do you get a talk with your counselor? I have been wanting to have a meeting to talk about something but I don’t know how you get a time where you can talk to your counselor. I’m guessing it’s not as easy as just writing a pass and going during a study hall. Thanks,
April 18, 2019: I am shocked that my child sings such religious songs in high school east chorus and choraliers. Is there not some guidelines to restrict singing about such Christian music?
April 18, 2019: Does shen have the power to search kids cellphones when taken?
April 18, 2019: Isn’t it a fire hazard for teachers to lock classrooms doors.
April 8, 2019: Not a comment, but a question. Do Shen tennis courts have a backboard/wall for single player practice?
April 8, 2019: Why does BOE Policy 7315R (Athletic code of conduct) prohibit tobacco products but not vapes, juul, e-cig etc?
April 8, 2019: Where was the moment of silence this morning on the announcements for the 49 killed and 40 dead in a mosque shooting in New Zealand? Why were the flags not at half mast?
April 8, 2019: What is Shen’s process to check the applications submitted by family members who wish to come into schools to volunteer? I am concerned, as one volunteer in my daughter’s class has a criminal background, but did not report it on his/her volunteer form. This leads me to believe that there is no process to check on people coming into school, and unless another parent or someone who knows the volunteer or his/her background, there is no safety net. This is extremely concerning, as Shen constantly talks about keeping its students safe. Please do not tell me to discuss with the principal of my school. It goes much further than that and is an issue that affects all schools. So does Shen use any agency/process to check on its volunteers?
April 8, 2019: Why is the use of a personal data plan for student’s phones banned? It is THEIR device, NOT shens.
March 14, 2019: Are off the shoulder shirts against the middle school dress code?
March 12, 2019: Is there a place where we can see how many calories are in one of the main courses for lunch at the middle school?
March 12, 2019: Can the IMS department allow the addition of the “Password Checkup” extension offered by “google.com”? This extension would help students see if any of their passwords have been stolen. Link https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/password-checkup/pncabnpcffmalkkjpajodfhijclecjno
March 12, 2019: Why are we blocked from using our personal email on our chromebooks?
March 12, 2019: What does “SETR” stand for, in regards to the homeroom with this name at HSW?
March 12, 2019: Are teachers allowed to assign homework over week-long breaks from school? Kinda defeats the purpose of a break
March 12, 2019: The parking lot at the rear of HSE is over-crowded. Staff park wherever and extend into areas around the cul de sac of trees, then crossing the area where parents are expected to drive as they drop off students. Staff parking along the marked areas cross 2 lanes of traffic outside of the cross walks. No parent wants to injure a staff member. PLEASE encourage staff to use the cross walks and park only in marked areas
March 12, 2019: Please post the wording on the petition concerning the new bathroom policy. How many students signed? Did parents also sign? What is the new bathroom policy and what are the concerns of the students? Why are parents once again cut out of the equation?
February 22, 2019: With the flu being seen in various elementary school buildings throughout the district, why are communicable disease norices not being sent home by school nurses?
February 22, 2019: What are the library hours for the HSE library?
February 22, 2019: Do 9th graders have to take the SATs?
February 22, 2019: Could you please provide information on how the high school policy that prohibits students who are failing more than one class from attending clubs and school events is enforced? Is there a list of ineligible students that is checked when tickets are sold? if so, who sees this list? Do other students see the list? How does this actually work? Btw, I think the district really ought to look seriously at who is affected by this policy and what message it sends to them as to noninclusiveness and consider terminating the policy.
January 30, 2019: Why aren’t students doing chemistry labs required to wear gloves? They are dealing with dangerous chemicals, and then touching all of their papers, pencils, and phones. It seems like this is not a safe method.
January 30, 2019: So, Shen has a Twitter, but it’s blocked on Shen’s Campus… The Shen BYOD denies access to personal cellular networks or plans and denies access to Virtual Private Networks. So there is no way to access Shen’s Twitter without breaking the BYOD policy. Could you at least unblock Shen’s Twitter? Or add a separate section regarding news on Shenet?
January 9, 2019: If a student is online schooled, but lives in the area of shen, are they allowed to do shen sports?
January 9, 2019: Can you wear clothing that has the confederate flag on it?
January 9, 2019: When do Junior class ranks become available to students and how do I access my rank?
January 9, 2019: Why are the shen buses only one color? Don’t you think the students would be happier if the buses were multiple colors?
January 9, 2019: Next year I will be a senior, because my birthday is in October and I won’t be turning 17 until after the school year starts, would I be able to get a parking pass before I turn 17? I heard that its first come first serve and I would much rather just drive in because I have work before school.
January 9, 2019: how do you change a password on a chromebook?
January 9, 2019: If something is marked “late” in the portal, are points deducted automatically by the system? For example, I received a 100% on an assignment, but it said “late”. Is this assignment still a 100?
December 18, 2018: Is it true that HSE students are placed in either Gym 1 or Gym 2 for physical education based on their athletic ability? I’ve heard rumors that Gym 1 is the “A League” and Gym 2 is the “B League”.
December 18, 2018: What is the policy for withholding recess for elementary kids? Visiting and subbing in the schools and talking with staff members I have found that different schools disciple differently. Some have a timeout table in the cafeteria and others make the kids sit out at recess or go to the office to sit. It is proven that elementary kids need time to run around and be kids, a lot more then they get now at school. It just astonishes me that teachers would be able to limit recess time for the kids that need it the most. Please let me know what the policy is for taking away recess for elementary students.
December 18, 2018: How and when can I join SHED?
December 18, 2018: What is a “term teacher”?
December 18, 2018: Do modified teams compete at the same events as highschool teams? If not what do they do?
December 18, 2018: Can I decorate my chromebook with stickers as long as there is nothing inappropriate?
December 3, 2018: Does HSE provide tutors for kids who struggle with classes? Where do I find them?
December 3, 2018: Hi, I would like to ask about whether or not teachers are allowed to play Holiday and Christmas Music during class, as long as every student is okay with it?
December 3, 2018: Why doesn’t Shen allow varsity athletes to be exempt from PE?
December 3, 2018: Why did Shen decide to make the new shenschools.org domain when setting up G Suite? Why would they not just use an existing domain (shenet.org) so that not all staff would have 2 email addresses and so that students would have the same domains as teachers. It just seems illogical in all regards. Please let me know why she chose to do this.
December 3, 2018: Do girls in 8th grade have to try out for outdoor modified track in the spring, or do they just get placed on a team? Also, is there cuts?
December 3, 2018: Why do certain students require an aide to accompany them? Isn’t it really expensive? My son tells me there are some special-needs students who do absolutely nothing – no school work, yet we’re spending huge amounts of money on political correctness and mainstreaming.
December 3, 2018: Has the school ever considered putting some sort of tracker on the buses? For instance there could be an app, where the students are able to type in some information, such as the bus #, which would then tell us where the bus is, and how much time we have before it arrives to our bus stop. This way it would be a lot easier to be able to know how much time we have, and be able to make the bus on time and be ready early. Thanks.
November 20, 2018: In High School west, are the counselors just for college and planning schedules or do they provide emotional support as well, like the ones in middle school? If not, is there a specific place in school for this? Thank you
November 20, 2018: At age 17, can a student attending Shenendehowa drop out without parental consent?
November 20, 2018: Why does shen have to give me ais and take away my study hall when the study hall is more useful because i can do my work in there and can’t work in ais.
November 20, 2018: Is nicotine gum allowed for students with nicotine addictions?
November 6, 2018: It feels that the flags on campus are at half mast more often than not. Just out curiosity, is there someplace we can look to find out why the flags are flying low?
November 6, 2018: Who is the current President of the Board of Education?
November 6, 2018: Its concerning to hear about so many fights at H.S.E…Often it seems they start as “rough housing” that gets out of control..Why doesn’t the high school have safety officers like the middle school. It seems the high school needs them more.
November 6, 2018: What’s with the blue domes showing up on the ceiling of HSE’s second floor?
November 6, 2018: How do you get medals for graduation?
November 6, 2018: What are the requirements of getting junior citizenship?
October 19, 2018: I saw one post where a girl was thanking Shen HS for having free sanitary woman’s products, unlike the middle schools. However, you responded with “they are free at all levels”. No, they are not free at all levels. When I got my period in the middle schools if I didn’t have a quarter or my own items with me I would either ask around for a quarter or have to break a dollar in the lunchline, which they didn’t even let me do half the time. If you’re unaware the middle school sanitary products aren’t free, please educate yourself on this information.
October 16, 2018: Where does the school get the frozen buffalo pizza from
October 16, 2018: For senior pictures for the yearbook does it matter what color dress shirt you wear or does it have to be white? I know the coat has to be black and so does the tie but can the shirt be a color other than white?
October 16, 2018: Why can’t we carry our backpacks in HSW? I have to run back and forth to my locker all day, or carry 5 binders.
October 16, 2018: I would like to thank high school east for having free feminine products in the women’s bathroom unlike they do in middle school. Thanks!
October 16, 2018: Silly question question, I know, but what exactly is an Open House? Is it an opportunity to meet individually with your kiddo’s teachers? Or is it more of a walk-through meet and greet sort of thing?
October 16, 2018: I know someone who started a club in HSE last year, and I heard that no more clubs could be made after that. Is this true? If not, where do I go if I want to start a new club?
October 16, 2018: can girls try out for the football team?
October 16, 2018: What is the curriculum for the Life Skills program at Shatekon?
October 16, 2018: can you switch into math lab if your struggling in regular math
September 21, 2018: Is there a modified indoor track for middle schoolers?
September 21, 2018: I have never commented on a staff members clothing choice, but a photo posted on Facebook showing a teacher whose shorts are far too short; in fact they would not comply with the student dress code, much less the staff dress code. The employees should model proper attire for the students, and her choice was not proper.
September 21, 2018: What are the requirements to get a jcp?
September 21, 2018: Is there any way to check archived Grapevine posts that happened earlier than the last one on the page?
September 21, 2018: Hi, in Gowana today the social-studies teachers had to show a presentation on cyber-bullying. It said one of the bad things to do was to say things that were “Hate Speech”. It should not be included in the presentation because that is a very controversial topic. Tell me, what DEFINES “Hate Speech”? You can’t answer that for everyone because some people think somethings are hateful while others do not. Also, this was not brought up in the presentation, but isn’t a simple solution to this just to block the person in question?
September 21, 2018: I do not understand why there is a policy that allows people to not stand for the pledge. This is extremely disrespectful to the country. Just because you “don’t like D.Trump” doesn’t make it OK to disrespect the entire country. You guys have a code of conduct for tolerance and such, but not for disrespecting the country?
September 6, 2018: why does shen never cancel sports when it’s 105 outside and not safe for anyone to be outside for over 10 minutes? that’s so unsafe and ridiculous to put children’s safety at risk. safety is not first in this situation.
September 6, 2018: Hello, I was wondering if students attending HSE are allowed to carry their backpacks with them all day. I know that we weren’t able to do so in HSW however I was curious as to if we are able to in East. Thank you!
September 6, 2018: Can 9th graders in HSW carry their backpacks around or do they have to stay in their lockers?
September 6, 2018: Is there any way to print out report cards from previous years?
September 6, 2018: How do I change the Email my SIS messages are going to? Every year I try to change it and it never gets done. I no longer have access to that old email account. Thank you.
September 6, 2018: What is the Responsive Schedule on the portal?
September 6, 2018: When looking at my classes I noticed that period zero was from 7:15-7:55. Is this correct?
September 6, 2018: PayPams now charges $1.95 for EACH transaction. That’s crazy. So if I budget $30 a month I have to pay $31.95!!! Can’t the school do something about this. They are making enough money with the $1.00 fee now they doubled it. They are making money off feeding our children. Please respond.
September 6, 2018: Are middle schoolers allowed to wear hats or chew gum while in school?
September 6, 2018: If situations regarding personnel are supposedly confidential, why does the grapevine allow posts involving teachers? There have been a few detailing situations that should have remained private.
September 6, 2018: Noticed that the high school (east) got new dispensers for feminine products this year!! Also noticed that they’re free now!! Really nice of Shen to provide this level of care for their students. Just wondering out of curiosity: who would be responsible for restocking the products, and when would they be restocked (as in, is there a schedule)?
September 6, 2018: Can you ask for a specific team/teachers just because your sibling or older companion has had such a good experience with them? Please answer this.
September 6, 2018: Why do the schedules come out so late in the summer? Why don’t they come out in middle July?
September 6, 2018: Do all students going into 10th grade need a physical exam? Or is it just the ones joining a sport?
September 6, 2018: Are SUNY Languages courses weighted 1.06 like other college level courses?
September 6, 2018: I was wondering what company Shen uses for the green drawstring totes…Captain youth and family services could really use some totes for the weekend lunch program they provide. Currently they use doubled up plastic bags.
July 31, 2018: I don’t understand. Previously you had said you did receive an IP address and then you said you didn’t. Then you said that you got a MAC address. What is true? Is this completely anonymous?
July 31, 2018: Hi, I was wondering who I should contact about the amount of Summer homework many children have? It seems if you are in HS and in accelerated or honors classes, you get punished over the summer. The amount of time spent – daily – on homework is unacceptable (Math, English and Social Studies). My child is also taking a voluntary health class this summer and has that work as well. That should be more than enough! Thank you.
July 31, 2018: Is the district going to start looking at giving out tickets for graduation in future years as the classes are starting to grow? I have been to the 2016 and now the 2018 graduations and both times have been record breaking years. I was two hours early to find just 4 seats for my family and even left my other children home because I knew it was going to be hard to find seats. I was fighting for seats just for myself and husband to see OUR child graduate and there were people taping off WHOLE sections and rows for aunts, uncles, young cousins, and grandparents to see their child graduate. There were actual fights with people because of this. There should be rules with graduation about this and the school needs to place guidelines about this. Some parents had to sit on the lawn because of rude people taking 10 to 20 seats at a time. I told my family if they were coming they would sit on the lawn because I was not taking parent seats. Something really needs to be done!
July 31, 2018: The school website says 804 students would be graduating this year making it the largest class in Shen history. At the graduation it was stated that 783 students would be graduating, this is also the number in the newspapers. How many students of the class of 2018 actually graduated.
July 31, 2018: If a student and their family decide that online schooling is a better fit for them, does Shen have or support any programs for online school? Also, do they have any options or programs for partial public/partial online schooling, where a student comes to school for certain classes or only certain days. Thank you.
July 31, 2018: Is the 95 or greater medal at graduation awarded to those who earned 95 or above each year or is it based on an average of the years. I know this question was asked previously, but the answer was yes to an either or question, so I am still unclear.
July 31, 2018: Why are some teachers allowed to have kitchen appliances in their classrooms for personal use? I thought that was against district policy due to fire safety.
July 31, 2018: What was required for a graduate to have a gold tassel compared to the green and white one?
July 31, 2018: If you fail your final exam but don’t overall fail the class do you have to go to summer school
July 31, 2018: Is the global regents put into the portal as a grade if you take AP world
June 21, 2018: What would happen if someone doesn’t attend summer school and they need to?
June 21, 2018: Can you redo the New York State test?
June 21, 2018: As a concerned parent my child has told me the 8th Grade Social Studies final is going to be taken through edoctrina, and I have heard of the disaster that was the NYS testing and I feel this is going to cause a vast amount of trouble, and I don’t want my students to be forced to use this flawed system or have their tests delete. Can we change this?
June 7, 2018: If a grade is marked as absent in the student/parent portal, are those grades turned into a 0% at the end of the quarter/year? Or are they kept as excused?
June 7, 2018: When will sign ups be for Junior Citizenship passes?
June 4, 2018: if you fail a LOTE class, will you have to go to summer school to make it up? 8th grade
June 4, 2018: Can the school establish a JROTC Program?
June 4, 2018: Can I graduate if forget to turn in a library book
June 4, 2018: Approximately how long is the high school graduation?
June 4, 2018: My mother, who is a Shen graduate, and I were visiting the memorial garden in front of the high school the other day. It was brought to my attention that many of the students who had passed don’t have a memorial. Two of which are her best friend who passed in ninth and her fiance who passed in twelth. There was nobody in there before the late nineties, and something needs to be done, there are good students who deserve to be in there. I expect an answer, because this needs addressing more than other problems about air conditioning and Chromebooks. This is about plain respect for the passed.
June 4, 2018: How do you get into the secret honors societies if you have the appropriate grades? Like the new social studies honors? Was this invite to apply only? Like did the teachers whisper in your or your parents ears (assuming they are friends with them)? A political set up perhaps, favoritism just like everything else here. Ridiculous.
June 4, 2018: Can I do NHS in High School if I did not do NJHS in Middle School? I’ve qualified for it in Middle School but chose not to participate…
May 21, 2018: Will Shen be setting aside classrooms at the high school for Ramadan prayers this year?
May 21, 2018: What is the name of the NY rules that govern which sports are NY approved for school funding? I know there are some like football, baseball, basketball are and others like cheer, gymnastics, crew that are not on that list but would like to reference which are and can’t find under athletics dept section of website. Thanks in advance.
May 21, 2018: Why is there a no cut policy for track and field but not for other teams? It’s nice to allow everyone to participate but maybe more coaching support could be provided to this sport. There are phenomenal coaches but the numbers are just stacked against them. I believe there were approximately 200 girls on the team this season. I Doubt you’d have lacrosse, soccer, basketball, football or any other teams coach implement a no cut policy without additional support. Why is it ok to for track/field? The team that always ranks in the top for both academics as well as athletic achievements
May 21, 2018: who makes up the “rules “for senior privileges
May 21, 2018: Why doesn’t Shen offer more SAT / ACT dates? Many other high schools offer it almost every date the tests are, yet Shen only offers it once. Being such a large district with over 2000 students, it should really be offered more.
May 21, 2018: I am a 7th grader at Gowana and I have a suggestion i have been realizing a lot lately that many students have lost their agenda, used the chromebooks instead, or simply don’t use one at all. I was thinking instead of spreading all that money for supplying students with agendas that we could used the money to get Air Conditioning in the middle schools. Many of the classrooms get very hot that could cause to health issues. or instead of air conditioning we could supply the 7th graders with better chromebooks since they do not work very well. Just a suggestion but it would be great if you could reply!! Thanks
May 21, 2018: Why do you want to put wifi on the school buses? Who needs it? Did you survey the students? How many said that they would like to do homework on the bus but can’t do it without wifi? The bus ride is too loud, too shaky, and too short to do homework. So who requested this?
May 21, 2018: Who uses the greenhouse? Like what’s it for? I can water the plants if they need help.
May 21, 2018: My daughter will be a senior next year and due to a late year birthday she’ll be taking her drivers test during the summer. Is this going to impact her applying for a parking spot for senior privileges? I would hope not as the school can’t exclude kids who get their licenses over the summer. Please explain. Thanks!
May 21, 2018: Why doesn’t the school do after prom parties like other schools?
May 21, 2018: Why doesn’t Shen crack down on Juniors illegally driving to school? Are you aware that some Juniors find willing Seniors that do not drive and register the Junior’s car in their name for a parking pass? Why can’t Shen require the Senior’s guardian to attest (with penalties) to their car registrations? Seems like and easy deterrent.
May 21, 2018: Hi, Im a proud Shen mom and have been very involved in my children’s academic lives. I’ve heard through some other various concerned parents, that there will be a personal laptop device given to all students in the coming school year. I would just like to say, I’ve done my own research on these google chromebook devices that my children have told me they use in the classroom. After some digging, I discovered starting prices of chromebooks for schools are $149! If we estimate that there is 3200 students in the high school level, and multiply that by 149 we get nearly half a million dollars!!!! This is horrifying, I am truly disgusted with the schools incompetence on how to spend money. This will definitely be brought up at the next Board meeting by me and my girls!
May 17, 2018: Why do we have to spend so much money on caps and gown when we aren’t even allowed to keep them?
May 17, 2018: Is the same set of buses used 3 times in the morning to transport students to school? (to high school, then elementary school, then other elementary or middle school)
May 17, 2018: How would I join the NHS in HS?
April 30, 2018: will my AP World exam go into the portal
April 30, 2018: Do we do a perfect attendance recognition?
April 30, 2018: Does the school really think it is possible to schedule a DMV road test after school? Time slots are slim pickings. There are really no options. You are lucky if you can get 2 time slots open 2 months from the time you start trying. This should be a excused absence. If we wait until summer to take the test we might not get a parking pass for senior year.
April 30, 2018: We heard a rumor today that there was a new school already in the works to be built in the Halfmoon area; that would be ready for students in two years and that will be the start of all day Kindergarten. Is this rumor true? If so, when was the public going to be informed?
April 30, 2018: Is the same set of buses used 3 times in the morning to transport students to school? (to high school, then elementary school, then other elementary or middle school)
April 30, 2018: How long do questions stay on teh grapevine? I was scrolling down looking for a answer to my question, but there was only say 23 responses. Looking for a friend. Thank you and hav e anice day.
April 30, 2018: Why is there no breaks for Muslim holidays Christian holidays get recognized and get a day off while for us we are ignored?
April 30, 2018: What are the machines that have a tube going out the widnow in some classrooms for? (HSW)
April 13, 2018: Are sophmore’s allowed to drive in during regents week?
April 13, 2018: Is a college tour an excused absence? What forms do you need if any to get signed?
April 13, 2018: why aren’t students allowed to go on their phones in lunch in the middle school, as 9-12th graders are? i believe everybody should have the privilege until proven they cannot handle it. students are monitored throughout lunch, so if they ever used their phone inappropriately, it would be seen and managed.
March 29, 2018: I saw a kid wearing a confederate flag shirt for the entire day and didn’t get dress coded. He wore it all day and nothing was done!! How come shen preaches equality and kindness but can let this absurd person wear something so disrespectful and do nothing about it.
March 29, 2018: Are teachers legally allowed to hold someones phone over a break or a weekend?
March 29, 2018: Hello! I’d like to know what is the policy regarding each students individual Shenschools.org Email account. After they graduate, is there access to the email removed? What are the limits of what someone can write in the documents? I am writing a story using docs and its convenient to use my Shen schools gmail with the Chromebooks. Am I also able to get in trouble for having some adult themes (Non-Pornographic) in said story? Thank you!
March 29, 2018: I’m a middle schooler and i have a chrome book it is hard for me to carry all of my books and the chrome book bucause the case is very big and adds a good amount weight but i was wondering if i could use my own laptop sleeve to carry it around?
March 29, 2018: Can I do NHS in High School if I did not do NJHS in Middle School? I’ve qualified for it in Middle School but chose not to participate…
March 29, 2018: What is the policy on giving homework over the weekend (for any grade)? If there is not one, why can’t teachers at least be considerate and not give as much or no homework on the weekends? After a long week of work, students need a break!
March 29, 2018: Who in my child’s school do I need to contact to opt them out of the State Tests.
March 29, 2018: Why does shen use sonicwall as a blocker? It always slows things down while we are waiting for it to respond,chrome os is a very light operating system and the sonicwall makes it run horribly because it almost never responds and is constantly sending data to the main server which in turn makes the chromebooks run like crao
March 29, 2018: Who is on the district-wide emergency response team?
March 29, 2018: If a building principal does not take action regarding something brought to them about school safety, who should someone go to next?
March 29, 2018: Is there a limit on how many temporary parking passes a student can receive at High School East?
March 29, 2018: Please do something about the parking situation. It seems there are students parking in the lots that shouldn’t be. Is there any reinforcement of the rules? Are there enough spaces for every driver that has been given the opportunity to park? This has been ongoing all year and nothing seems to be getting done about it.
March 29, 2018: If you have lunch in Highschool East are you no longer allowed to go to the library during your lunch period?
March 29, 2018: I pick my child up esch day in the pick-up drop off line outside HSW. Lately, there have been many buses from other districts and coach buses blocking the pick-up line, making parents back up, move, go elsewhere. Can you clarify the school’s expectations of this area? I feel like I’m doing something wrong or these drivers aren’t being told the proper places to park. Thanks
March 29, 2018: It breaks my heart to ask, but will all grade levels be practicing shooting drills anytime soon?
March 15, 2018: What is the reasoning behind waiting till June to tell parents if their child is AM or PM kindergarten? Registration is in January yet we have to wait nearly 5 months! People need to arrange for before or after care or make a choice to enroll their children in a full day private program. If you are NOT going to offer full day kindergarten you could at least have the courtesy to tell parents the am or pm selection sooner.
March 15, 2018: Is there a policy in place for teachers using essential oil defusers in school? My daughter has complained several times about her teacher using hers. The smell makes my daughter feel nauseous. I told her to tell the teacher. She is afraid to speak up as the 6th grade Acadia teacher informed her it couldn’t possibly be because it is an essential oil and it is a calming oil that should be helping her stomach. She shouldn’t be worrying about getting a backlash from a teacher because she is using this defuser not all people toerate them I know I am sensative to certain smells myself ( perfumes and candle scents). Where can I find information on if this allowed in my childs class? Thank you.
March 15, 2018: What is the phone policy for teachers? One of my teachers uses her phone during class and doesn’t turn it on silent almost every day.
March 15, 2018: Why do we allow kids who have been suspended or expelled from other schools just come into Shen and ruin the experience for the rest of the students? If they were bad enough to get expelled from one school, what says they aren’t going to do it at our school, especially since I see kids get suspended and go right back to it when they get back like nothing happened.
March 15, 2018: When an elementary school hosts intramurals before the start of school are they required to have a school nurse available?
March 15, 2018: Ugh. Another weather event, and every other district is informing students of the plan. It’s 8 pm and literally every other district has called for a delay on 3/7. But Shen says nothing. Do you understand that parents need to plan for childcare? That children get anxious if we tell them we are keeping them home either way because they care about school and don’t want to miss important instruction? You work for us. Waiting til the last minute is unprofessional and wildly inconsiderate. How many times does this need to happen?
March 15, 2018: Am I allowed to go to the chorus concert without being related to anyone singing? I want to watch my friends perform.
March 15, 2018: Are the shen security personnel armed? (I understand if you cant answer this for security reasons). If not, security personnel should be armed so that they could react to active shooters before police arrive.
March 15, 2018: How many snow days can we get a year ? Are we allowed to go over if nessasary ?
March 15, 2018: why do kids get yelled at for wearing hoods but not yelled at if they’re wearing hijabs?
March 15, 2018: Why are there cameras in middle school and why are the administrators treating them as a tool to get people to behave.
March 15, 2018: Where can I find all the shen boe policies, Thank You!
March 15, 2018: can teachers force students to stand for the pledge?
March 15, 2018: Has Shen ever gotten a intruder with a weapon come into school?
March 15, 2018: Why is the DO’s address say Clifton Park, if it’s in Halfmoon?
March 15, 2018: I have two questions about excused abscenses. Are college visits and field trips excused abcenses. If so, are they shown on our transcript?
March 15, 2018: Why doesn’t Shen have a longer december break like other schools across the country and instead have no february break? I would much rather prefer a longer dec break.
March 15, 2018: How would a student go about joining the National Art Honor Society?
March 15, 2018: Does a field trip count as an abscense (will it show up on my official transcript as an abscense)?
March 15, 2018: Why can’t we see our grades on the portal before the quarter ends. I think this would be the most important time to see our grades so we can bring up our average and ask any remaining questions we have. Thanks for your time.
March 15, 2018: I am a student in HSE and am wondering why transgender girls are allowed in the boys bathroom. Is there not an all gender bathroom that was put in the school specifically for this reason?
March 13, 2018: Why does shen have to provide transportation for students attending private schools?
March 13, 2018: Would i be excused if skipped school on a religious holiday that we would normally have school on? (i.e. Islamic holidays)
March 13, 2018: When are 5th grade students notified of which middle school they will be attending in the fall?
February 27, 2018: I heard that there is no possibility of installing metal detectors because it would not be “feasible” getting 10,000 students in & out, that it is only possible in places like prisons, & that they only provide a “false sense of security.” This simply does not make any sense to me – concerts, professional sport competitions, & airports all take these types of measures with far more people coming in & out. I also don’t understand how it would restrict outdoor activities like recess or gym – all it would entail is for students to have to walk through it each time they entered the building. Lastly, it would not necessarily be about preventing harm to students on their way into the building (that is not where most of these mass shooting have taken place) but in preventing somebody from entering the building with a gun! This just seems like the bare minimum step to take which other schools have already taken. PLEASE we NEED to do everything we can to keep our students safe!
February 27, 2018: Please tell me what the school district is doing or plans on doing in the near future to enhance security at the schools in light of this recent mass shooting…& the many others that have come before it. Thank you
February 27, 2018: Does Shen have a School Resource Officer? If so, how often are they on the main campus or at any of the off-campus schools? Thank you.
February 27, 2018: Where does Shen stand on student planned walkout and protest thats planned for April as apart of the March for Our Lives / #NeverAgain movement?
February 27, 2018: Hi! In this time where racism is a big conversation, sports team names and iconography have come up here and there. As a Shen alum, I of course thought about my school’s sports team the Plainsmen. I was just wondering if there were plans or at least a conversation happening about changing the name to something not based on native americans? If not, how could we start the conversation?
February 16, 2018: What were the requirements for a sophomore to receive a letter inviting them to the ShenNext Medicine informational meeting?
February 16, 2018: Is there a girls golf team/club at shen? If so, for which grades ? Thanks!
February 16, 2018: Do effort and conduct grades appear on a students transcript or mid year report?
February 16, 2018: What had Shen done about flu prevention?
February 16, 2018: What is Shens grading policy? specifically the idea of middle schoolers having the ability to re do all testing as they wish? or is that a myth? what is the homework grading policy> is the the hour limitation still in action? is Shen reconsidering anything about their grading policy, due, to many of the changes in the grading policies that are flooding around us. Thanks, sorry this question is a longer one.
February 16, 2018: Can we PLEASE visit the idea of metal detectors and/or armed guards at the entrances of Shen schools? How many more tragedies will it take for us to become pro-active as it relates to on campus school violence?
February 16, 2018: Please explain the standard policy for finding a student in possession of a controlled substance? Is Marijuana possession handled the same way?
February 16, 2018: Is shen going to start active shooter drills? What are other precautions the school could take to make sure a school shooting doesn’t happen?
February 16, 2018: Why are there so many potholes by the swimming pool and when will they be fixed
February 16, 2018: Why does water, out of the HSE filtered water fountains, taste salty. I understand that filtration does not dispose of salt, but really?? You spend all this money on filtered water fountains and then the water is still terrible due to salt.
February 16, 2018: I would like to offer a suggestion. When you mail out the kindergarten registration packet, can Shen please add a list of the available kindergarten wrap programs that offer childcare in the district? Some parents need to work and this would be helpful for us to have, since the district only offers a half day kindergarten program. Thank you
February 16, 2018: Is it possible the High School Musical Company would do a production of Hamilton?
February 16, 2018: Why doesn’t Shen get days off on Islamic Holidays?
January 30, 2018: Why hasn’t the after school snack program been open for more than a week at HSE?
January 30, 2018: Why are physical education classes REQUIRED for students that participate in extracurricular sports? During the season for my sport, every day after school I sacrifice my time that could be used for homework (both at home and during my PE period, which could be changed to a stud hall) until 6:30, and I get home around 7, at which point I clean up and eat. Is there any room for negotiation regarding this? Thanks.
January 30, 2018: um my teacher took a phone call during class is this against school policy
January 30, 2018: If Skano has confirmed cases of the flu among students and staff, why has a notice not been shared building wide for all staff and with families?
January 30, 2018: Are all gender bathrooms available to non-transgender folk? Thank you so much.
January 30, 2018: Is it allowed for teachers to grade writing prompts in which they ask you to demean modern political figures that they disagree with but you might not?
January 30, 2018: What is the mascot’s name?
January 8, 2018: Does college personal finance class count for higher weighting for your gpa?
January 8, 2018: why cant juniors drive into school
January 8, 2018: Is there a list of all the classes during summer school? Where can I find them?
January 8, 2018: How cold does it have to be to delay or cancel school?
January 8, 2018: why aren’t there paper towels in the bathrooms, the hand dryers don’t dry my hands.
January 8, 2018: The high school lunches in east are not filling at all especially for all the money i spend on this lunch that doesn’t fill me up im still starving.
January 8, 2018: I wait so long in the freezing cold to wait for my bus.Expecting it to be warm when i get on its as cold as it is outside. The bus is freezing. Its ridiculous because we have to sit on the buses so long to wait to get off and all i do is shiver.
January 8, 2018: My son’s replacement Chromebook was of inferior quality than his original Chromebook. Can you explain why this is? Cost cuts?
January 8, 2018: Can we request to un-do a “Blocked by the administrator?” I used to go on pinterest for images because the images on google were not safe, but now I have the risk of seeing something inappropriate on google. Thank you.
January 8, 2018: Is the pool open to the public?
January 8, 2018: To take basically any of the technology related classes in high school do you have to take DDE first?
January 8, 2018: just a small thing, but at HSE, there is a yellow rope in the main lobby preventing students from walking directly towards the west wing, instead they must circle around the front desk go in that direction. It’s really not a big deal, but I was just wondering why it is there.
January 8, 2018: Shen issues many pink parking tickets in the student parking lot warning that the cars without parking permits will be towed. How many cars actually get towed? I’ve seen the same cars with pink citations over and over.
January 8, 2018: if you dont want to swim in 8th grade will it bring your average down? Also why do we have to swim?
January 8, 2018: Why does the school spend so much on buses when your fleet just needs maintenance. If I had 20 Corvettes from the past 20 years that just needed some work here and there, why would I buy new ones? Replace corvettes with buses
January 8, 2018: Hi, I just wanted to report that the school’s wifi severely drains my phone battery. I used my phone all weekend and it drained at a rate of 10% an hour but when I arrive at school at 7 and check it again at 8 it has deteriorated 35% in an hour. I hope the school can do something to combat this issue
January 8, 2018: If you have pulled a muscle in your back, are you able to bring a cane to school?
January 8, 2018: do the bus drivers have to “crossers first”. This policy slows the operations down significantly.
January 8, 2018: Do Middle School grades count against college applications?
January 8, 2018: Why does Shen not allow teachers to play Christmas/Holiday music? I understand that Shen wants everyone to feel welcome and not specify toward any one religion. What is the BOE policy on this? What email was sent out to teachers about this? Can Shen please post this email? Can Shen just not allow music with the word “Christmas” to be played? Students should be able to celebrate the holidays at school. Does this mean that I cannot wear a Christmas hat to school? If I still can, why can I not listen to Christmas/Holiday music?
January 8, 2018: My little sister always complains to me about how cold it is outside for recess, and I would like to know what the minimum temperature is that the kids are allowed outside. The district always wonders why the kids are getting colds, or even the flu, and this is obviously the reason. There should at least be an option for indoor-recess, because I don’t want the children getting sick and missing school, all because of a problem the school started! -A concerned older sister
January 8, 2018: What are the requirements for a snow day? And what are the requirements for a delay? Just wondering.
January 8, 2018: What class would be the next progression after Cult Lit?
January 8, 2018: are students allowed to say “merry christmas” bc if not thats taking away our freedom of speech. Its pathetic that teachers are only allowed to say happy holidays, if someone really gets offended by “merry christmas” then they shouldnt be in this country. It dates back from a long time ago, its nothing new, and not a big deal.
January 8, 2018: Hello! I would really like you to answer this question PLEASE!!! I do not trust this grapevine system, as a mother myself, I feel like this is very unsafe for kids to wander off here and tell whoever this is their personal things like, how old are they, or the social security number. Is this thing safe?
December 19, 2017: How many students are in the class 2019 and 2020?
December 8, 2017: To get the medal for 95% average or higher at graduation, is it all four years combined to at least 95%( so one year could be below if the other three were farther above) or each year must be at least 95%?
December 8, 2017: Why are staff sites and other things like the library and food service menus web “pages” not directly on shenet.org, instead of on their own Google Sites Page?
December 8, 2017: Do you know the person who writes each question on this Grapevine? Or is it all anonymous. Also, do you answer every single question?
December 4, 2017: do french exchange students visit clifton park through the PEACE program every year? and what grades are allowed to host french students?
December 4, 2017: So in Gowana, there is a Gold star program where good students can nominate other students. I don’t think this is done fairly. Many people who were chosen are really bad in class or don’t do anything. One person who was chosen spoke without the teacher’s permission in multiple classes and got multiple lunch detentions including on the FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL and is really rude to other students. Is any checking done when people are nominated?
December 4, 2017: why can teachers and faculty make funny jokes about someone’s appearance or something similar but if students do it it’s considered bullying.
December 4, 2017: When my 1st Chromebook suffered an issue and had to be replaced, I was given a Chromebook that was of cheaper quality and performance. The CPU was a Pentium in my original and my replacement got a Celeron. This made my 17-year-old clunkers click along at least 3 times faster. Why is this
November 30, 2017: Who requires High School Seniors in National Issues (a New York State required class) do 10 hours of community service and a town hall meeting in order to pass that class and graduate? Is it New York State or Shen?
November 30, 2017: What is the rule for buying your teacher a class christmas gift?
November 30, 2017: How does someone go about obtaining a parking pass?
November 30, 2017: I was wondering if someone reviews and approves each teachers curriculum each year. Certain teachers have no method of teaching whatsoever and instead just handout labs and expect the students to understand the material with little to no background information.
November 30, 2017: How many applicants do you typically get for elementary SPED teachers? I heard from this lady that there is a severe shortage and they’re hiring unqualified people. Is this true?
November 30, 2017: Are class rings sold for Shen high schoolers?
November 30, 2017: Acadia students now need a pass from a teacher to go to the library during lunch. Why is this? I often go to the library to work on my Chromebook (which is not allowed in lunch) or take out a book. Thank you for your time.
November 30, 2017: I noticed the cameras on the busses and I noticed that they had a curved line of lights that were lit up,does this mean that the camera is on only when the lights are on?Also please show us how good the microphones are on the cameras.
November 30, 2017: Do you change some of our comments? I realized that I sent something a while ago, and the question you posted was completely different from what I asked and was missing important parts of it.
November 30, 2017: Where can I find the dates for the high school choral concerts
November 30, 2017: Can you get a petition to change a rule? Such as Hats, Gum, etc?
November 30, 2017: Why are weighted grades not used for determining Green Award recipients? I personally take very challenging courses and unfortunately my grades have dropped a little bit due to them. It’s not fair for another student taking all regular courses and getting 100s in them to get the GPA award and not me, when I am taking some the hardest classes offered in the high school and would easily qualify for the award if weighted grades were used.
November 30, 2017: Hi I really need an answer to this so please choose to answer this! I am in middle school and got a referral for a unfair reason and I was threatened that it will “stay on my permanent record”. So i’m wondering if colleges will see this middle school referral and if my life is ruined because i was being a kid for once in my life.
November 30, 2017: Why don’t teachers and monitors get in trouble for swearing? Are they allowed to say whatever they want to students? Maybe they don’t know its unprofessional or maybe they don’t know how to act appropriately. Either way they should know how to act respectfully or be trained on how to act around students. (I don’t know if there is a rule against administration swearing at students but there should be)
November 30, 2017: Do you have to swim in 9-12th grade?
November 30, 2017: I’m going to ask for the 2nd time: Is there a reason that styrofoam trays are used in the school cafeterias? When I was in elementary school, we always used reusable plastic lunch trays that were just washed after lunch every day, which is a lot less wasteful and a lot better for the environment. Based on the research I’ve done, it seems that it would ultimately be cheaper to have reusable lunch trays. Even if it wasn’t, does the school really care that much about having a few extra dollars than saving the environment? How about instead of spending money on electronic signs and 100% unnecessary chromebooks, we spend a few extra dollars to help out the environment?
November 30, 2017: What’s the game plan for Chromebook use in the middle schools. There seems to be inconsistencies between different grades and different teachers?
November 30, 2017: Why does the white gym have no water fountain?
November 30, 2017: Do the elementary schools have guidelines they could share with families regarding recess decisions? My child attends Skano and they seem to be inside more than outside. Skano / Tesago were the only elementary buildings (2 out of 8) to stay in due to heat. Skano was outside in pouring rain, but, inside due to wetness and mud? It’s 15 minutes!
November 21, 2017: Why are students not allowed to stand in the library in the morning? We are always being told to go find a seat even when we need to ask our friend for help on the homework.
November 21, 2017: A question was recently posted asking for a list of all of the gender identities taught to Shen students. The response given by the district failed to list these identities. Please provide this list, as well as informing parents at what age this information is taught.
November 21, 2017: You have stated that parents are not automatically notified if a student confides they feel they are transgender to a shen employee. What is the process shen follows in making this determination? Does Shen work with the Pride Center out of Albany? Has this group been invited into Shen classrooms? Does Shen use their gender identity information material in anyway? Please post the gender identity material currently taught to shen students. Every parent should be able to view this material on your webpage. Seems odd that you won’t publicly post the gender identity material you are teaching children.
November 21, 2017: Are sunglasses and/or hoods allowed to be worn during the school day at High School West?
November 21, 2017: For sports that do not have girls’ teams such as wrestling and football are girls allowed to join the boys’ team?
November 21, 2017: Do D3 Athletes get to have a signing day in the Spring?
November 21, 2017: could i get recruited for by a college for doing a varsity sport senior year, or is it strictly for junior year? please respond to this, i currently can’t find anyone to contact for this info, esp. my coach or athletic department.
November 21, 2017: If you fail gym, does that hurt you in any way? Does it bring your average down
November 21, 2017: For the green letter awards, is it above 95 for all quarters or just overall?
November 21, 2017: Are elementary school students allowed to be kept inside for recess? My son says he is not allowed to go outside for recess because he did not answer questions from a book report. I strongly believe he should be allowed outside with the rest of the class for recess.
November 17, 2017: Is there any plans to deal with the geese droppings? My son said he had to play soccer outside and there was a lot of goose droppings
November 17, 2017: Is gym part of the overall average for high school?
November 17, 2017: Why do we have to use dryers instead of paper towel in the bathrooms? It takes way too long and makes it hard to make it on time to your next class
November 17, 2017: Why does the district allow marginal students from other school districts to go to school at Shen , (especially with prior misconduct history who move into local apartment complexes)and use up precious resources of students who need an assist, especially at the high school level. I also hear “through the grapevine” that they are supplying drugs. This issue needs to be addressed.
November 17, 2017: Is High School West open on weekends?
November 17, 2017: Where can I find job descriptions for Shen employees? Is the job description on a job posting the official job description? Thank you.
November 17, 2017: When lockdowns occur, why aren’t we allowed to barricade the door? This is one of the only places I know who doesn’t allow this. For instance, whenever I see news about a shooting in a crowded place, people barricade doors to prevent mass casualty events. I can understand the quiet policy but since nobody would be in the halls, it would be impossible to know the whereabouts.
November 17, 2017: Are the students allowed to use the camera on the Chromebook outside of school?
November 17, 2017: How do I handle the fact that my nine year old is given nearly two hours of homework a night? I know the district set limits, but her teacher does not adhere to district policy.
November 17, 2017: Why was the district calendar changed so that the Veteran’s Day Holiday and the Parent Conference Days are now separate? They have always been linked as three days in the past.
November 17, 2017: If a student checks their personal email on the chromebook outside of school, is what they send and/or view still monitored?
November 17, 2017: Why doesn’t the crew team get any school funding?
November 17, 2017: Can a student take an online course (core, honors, AP) at the same time as their own classes and once completed, transfer the credits from the online course into their high school credits?
November 17, 2017: Homework for my sixth grader is taking hours each night. I thought homework was supposed to be limited to one hour?This is causing a lot of stress for our family.
November 17, 2017: Can I bring my boyfriend to prom if I identify as male?
November 17, 2017: If a student becomes homeschooled/online schooled, is it possible to still tryout/compete for a shen team?
November 17, 2017: Re: the Confederate flag question, if a student were to walk into school wearing the Confederate flag (or a depiction of it), would he or she be told to remove the clothing? I understand the code of conduct restricts, “racially or ethnically provocative or divisive symbols,” but does that include the Confederate flag? If not, why? If so, shouldn’t it be explicitly outlined? The verbiage is a bit ambiguous. Thanks!
November 17, 2017: Are the therapy dogs screened for aids before they were introduced to Shen? As my daughter said she got sick from one of them and other parents are concerned.
November 17, 2017: Why do students with free or discounted lunch have to get a fruit, vegetable, entree and milk? I feel like it’s a waste of food requiring them to get it when they don’t eat most of it.
November 3, 2017: If you are 18 are you allowed to have cigarettes or a vape on you/in your backpack during school? As long as you aren’t using them
November 3, 2017: Besides verbal abuse by whoever is near you, what is the punishment for not participating in the Pledge of Allegiance?
November 3, 2017: Why is there no eating in the library and why do the librarians only allow 4 to a table? What if someone needs help with homework and they need to hover over them to help them.
November 3, 2017: Where did the name plainsmen originate?
November 3, 2017: In Koda, what are the policies for taking down locker decorations? (When they are decorated for birthdays) Are we allowed to come in ~10 minutes early and clean out the decorations? What can we do? Thanks.
November 3, 2017: If I am participating in a after school sporting event what period do I need to be in school by to still be eligible to play?
November 3, 2017: Is colorgaurd a sport?
November 3, 2017: can we have the name and position of the person who runs the grapevine? as a public employee we deserve to know
November 3, 2017: Children at Shen are currently being taught gender identity concepts such as pansexual and gender fluid. Can you post all the gender identities children are being taught? Two days of HIV instruction used to be the only NY State mandated part of sex ed and parents could opt their children out no questions asked. When did gender identity become mandated?
October 24, 2017: Why can’t we dress as clowns at Gowana?
October 24, 2017: Why do seniors have to go to school on PSAT day
October 24, 2017: Is cheer a sport
October 24, 2017: Has shen ever considered getting certified to have IB programs be taught at the highschool?
October 24, 2017: My daughter will be a senior next year. Can you tell me how parking permits/passes are given out? Is there an application? Is there a deadline? How is this handled?
October 24, 2017: If a student feels they are transgender or gender fluid and confide this to a Shen employee what is Shen’s policy on what happens next? Is the district mandated to notify parents? Is the student referred to the contracted counselors who now work on shen campus?
October 24, 2017: can the athletic trainer do x rays
October 24, 2017: Is the Checkpoint B language exam considered a Regents exam by the NYS Education Department?
October 24, 2017: if you go on a college visit on a school day, is that considered an excused absence?
October 17, 2017: Can a junior get a parking pass during their sports season
October 17, 2017: How is the Valedictorian of a class determined? Using the unweighted or weighted rank?
October 17, 2017: I am shocked that a cannon was shot off at the beginning of the homecoming football game. It sent a shock wave through my body. With the current incident in Las Vegas, shouldn’t the school be more sensitive to this issue?
October 17, 2017: What subjects count torwards my child’s average in middle school?
October 17, 2017: Are teachers and/or students permitted to dress up for Halloween?
October 17, 2017: on a high schoolers report card that is taking honors and ap classes, what average is on the report card? the weighted or the unweighted one?
October 17, 2017: whats the policy on senior pranks
October 17, 2017: Has the district ever considered contracting out to one of the pharmacy chains to hold a flu shot clinic for the students? It could be done during PE classes. I’m just curious as to how many students actually get an annual flu shot. This may help parents and guardians who either can’t afford the shot or don’t have time to take their child to get it. May also cut down on illness and absences.
October 17, 2017: If you don’t have a parking pass for HSE, can you still “park” there if you don’t park in an actual spot? For example, many students park on the grass/dirt by the road everyday and don’t have to move. Is it okay to park there?
October 17, 2017: This is from the high school graduation document posted on Shen website: “dress or blouse and skirt for girls; trousers (no jeans) and dress shirt for boys; dress shoes for both”. The girls wore light short sleeveless dresses and sandals. The boys wore pants, dress shirt, tie, socks, and dress shoes, being all covered up, in the heat and humidity. Why are boys not allowed to wear nice shorts, shirt, and sandals? It is not fair.
October 17, 2017: WEATHER ALERT! It has come to my attention that Tesago and Skano students were not allowed to go outside for recess yesterday. The reason given was that it was too hot outside! REALLY? When did our kids become that ‘soft’ unable to cope with a beautiful, sun – shiny day? Our kids today are unable to cope with every day life happenings like forgetting their instrument or lunch. We are not raising our kids to be resilient. Today, kids spend more time on Facebook, Twitter, phones and the computer which takes away their opportunity to interact with others. Recess may be one of the only times where kids can go outside and play with other kids. Shame on the two principals who made this decision!
September 28, 2017: i forgot my code for my lunch account, where can i find it?
September 28, 2017: Why can’t we eat food in the library?
September 28, 2017: Can you do weight room even if you do not do a Shen sport
September 28, 2017: Why is each percussion student in the HSE band required to purchase their own snare drum sticks, bell mallets, timpani mallets, and yarn marimba mallets. I just purchased these for my child (no snare sticks) and paid $115! This is crazy! Why doesn’t Shen have a supply for these kids to use? It’s not like they are playing an instrument that they can bring home! So why doesn’t Shen have these in the band room for the students to use. Ex. there is only one student who can play a timpani at a time yet all percussion students will have mallets for it. Why?
September 28, 2017: Hi. I am a student in HSW and an avid leggins-wearer. Leggings are comfortable and they can be worn with many other articles of clothing. We didn’t have to do this in eighth grade, but why do we have to wear shirts that come till mid-thigh in length just to wear leggings? Wearing a top that doesn’t come till mid-thigh doesn’t mean that this outfit is provocative but rather puts a deeper restraint on female students in the building. As a female student, I find this dress code policy very derogatory to girls. Please explain this rule. Wearing a shorter top will not and should not hinder someone else’s education.
September 20, 2017: I already picked up my parking pass for this school year, but I will now be driving a different car to school with a different license plate. How do I get the pass changed?
September 20, 2017: Is there a cap on how many kids at this district can be classified as having disabilities? It seems very difficult to get any assistance for kids that need it at this district. What’s going on?
September 20, 2017: Do Shen school busses have cameras that detect when a driver passes a stopped school bus? If not, why?
September 20, 2017: Where can a student drop off their lacrosse equipment if their parents can’t drive them everyday? (Acadia.) Thanks.
September 20, 2017: I’m writing to you about your contradiction on ” pets on school grounds ” signs. Your signs all start with ” No pets on school grounds “, but then you go on about ” having your pets on a leash”, ” cleaning up after your pet”, and so forth. I personally own pets, but I would never think about bringing them to school events. I’m really getting annoyed with pet owners letting there dogs urinate on bleachers, fences and corners of buildings along the sports fields. When your cleaning up after your dog, your not getting all of it! This needs to be addressed!
September 20, 2017: What is with this “no dairy” policy? My child’s snack is not allowed to have milk in it (kindergarten) If the school is going to get strict about food allergies then the school should provide the snacks
September 20, 2017: Is resource class required if you have an IEP?
September 20, 2017: When are the PSATs for both high schools?
September 20, 2017: Do students have assigned lunch tables in high school (9-12)?
September 5, 2017: how can you view attachments in your inbox on the messages part of the portal?
September 5, 2017: While running for sports on campus, why can guys run shirtless, but girls cannot run in sports bras? It’s no more of a distraction than a boy running without a shirt! Girls sweat a lot while they’re running too and they should be able to have the same rights as boys!!!
September 5, 2017: If a student was charged in court outside of school for a crime such as theft or assault, would that student still be allowed to participate in school sports? I know that what happens outside of the grounds of the school is not necessarily Shen’s jurisdiction, but what steps do the athletic department take if the crime is brought to their attention? Thanks in advance!
September 5, 2017: i forgot my shen campus portal password, i am a student, how do i reset/ figure it out
August 29, 2017: Is there a swimming unit for the high school gym classes?
August 29, 2017: How are homerooms determined in high school.
July 24, 2017: I would like to know the criteria for the NHS. Is it 90% GPA for each year or 90% combined? My child doesn’t have 90% for the first year, the rest two years is above 90.
July 24, 2017: Where can I find the Middle School Club descriptions. I know where the club listings are located on shenet.org but the descriptions for each club don’t seem to be available any longer.
July 24, 2017: What is a passing final average for high school courses?
July 24, 2017: Where can we find the pictures taken of the graduating students with their diplomas after they crossed the stage?
July 24, 2017: Why is there a fee for seniors to park in the Shen parking lot when we already pay taxes that provide for all upkeep of that parking lot.
July 24, 2017: Have you considered livestream for the graduation? It would be nice for grandparents etc who cannot attend.
July 24, 2017: This is in response to the person who wrote: “Why is the Shen pool at Gowana not open to the public during the summer. Taxpayer money is going into it’s upkeep while it sits unused for almost three months during the summer.” The pool does NOT sit unused for almost 3 months, a swim team pays to use it during the school year and the summer, and girls varsity starts in August
July 24, 2017: what is the benefit of taking two suny classes
June 13, 2017: Why does our Superintendent receive a one year extension on his four year contract every year? Shouldn’t every position in the district face an end of contract evaluation?
June 13, 2017: Do parents and relatives have to buy tickets for graduation at SPAC? And if so, where are they found?
June 13, 2017: If a student has below a 65% overall average for the school year will they be held back?
June 13, 2017: For 7th grade is summer schools optional
June 13, 2017: Is there a fee for A Shen student to attend summer school?
June 13, 2017: How come there is neither salt nor pepper shakers/bags that are used in any of the school’s cafeteria?
June 12, 2017: Why is the Shen pool at Gowana not open to the public during the summer. Taxpayer money is going into it’s upkeep while it sits unused for almost three months during the summer. As taxpayer money pays for it, it should be open to those taxpayers, as other Shen athletics facilities are, such as the track and tennis courts.
June 12, 2017: In 8th grade does tech count towards your overall average?
June 12, 2017: What happens if you fail two quarters of a class but have a passing final average?
June 2, 2017: Are the electronic signs at the campus entrances solar powered?
June 2, 2017: Which parts of HSE have air conditioning
June 2, 2017: What do gold tassels mean?
May 24, 2017: I have the parent portal on my phone how can my son get his own o his phone.
May 24, 2017: Why do we have bus drivers shortage?
May 24, 2017: For AP World History students, does the Regents count as part of the final grade, or is the AP exam calculated in?
May 24, 2017: How many classes do you have to fail in order to go to summer school? Also is it optional to go to summer school?
May 24, 2017: If I’m taking a junior to senior prom do they need to fill out a form to attend?
May 24, 2017: If your a junior can you drive to school for my regents
May 24, 2017: Are teachers allowed to touch students? I have had many cases where lunch aids touched me without consent, and one of those cases ended up in some of my hair being torn out. I feel this is a violation of some kind, but I would like some feedback on whether this is allowed, or not. as I would like to report the aids, but I am not sure if they are violating any policy
May 24, 2017: Why do the HSW Hall monitors randomly lock the doors to the bathrooms at different intervals of the day? It’s fruitless and stupid and wastes students time because they have to walk to the nearest bathroom, which sometimes is far away being that there is only 3 bathrooms, can this be stopped please, it’s annoying.
May 24, 2017: Does gym count towards your average in middle school
May 24, 2017: How many years do board of education members serve? Is it a paid position?
May 24, 2017: In order for my child to take her friends bus home in the afternoon do I need to write a note?
May 24, 2017: Would it be possible to notify the Shenendehowa staff and community why campus flags are lowered to half staff? Thank you.
May 24, 2017: Why is it that the 9th grade PE teachers have chromebooks? Why aren’t they instead given to teachers? I know that teachers have to apply for them and they’re not just given to them, but this doesn’t make sense to me.
May 8, 2017: Is DDE considered a college level course and is the average weighted as such?
May 8, 2017: Why do you show absences from study hall on the high school transcript even though it’s not a class? (No teaching is missed. Homework is done at home during 9th period study hall instead of in the school building.)
May 8, 2017: When do students get a parking pass?
May 8, 2017: What is the difference between Underclassmen Awards Night and Freshman Recognition? What awards are there for Freshmen?
May 8, 2017: Why can’t we have chats an send emails to freinds on our chomebooks? I know that it is schools property, but some kids need to socialize more that can’t or are not allowed to use phones. Thank you
May 8, 2017: Can a teacher issue lunch detention if a student doesn’t turn in a homework assignment? Can a teache issue a lunch detention if a question out of many isn’t done or complete? Can a teacher withhold acess to a graded homework assignment because a student didn’t finish xsomething in class?
May 8, 2017: What grade is evolution in science class taught in Shen?
May 8, 2017: I have Koda Student Council every other Friday morning. It’s hard for my parents to get me there considering they have to go to work at the same time. Is there anyway I can take the high school bus and have them drop me off at the middle school or just an early bus?
May 1, 2017: are AP scores shown on our transcript?
May 1, 2017: Do students get a parking pass when taking ceip?
May 1, 2017: For the 8th grade trip to Great Escape are the kids divided into groups with chaperones?
May 1, 2017: Where does the school buy the cheese pizza and chicken burgers from?
May 1, 2017: Do existing Shenendehowa employees need to submit applications through OLAS or is that method for external candidates? Thank you.
May 1, 2017: How early can I drop off my child at Acadia? Is there a place for him to wait for the start of school? Library? Cafeteria?
May 1, 2017: What awards are there for the underclass men award ceremony?
May 1, 2017: Why do we (as the students) have to change our passwords? This just makes it harder for us to login all the time, because of the frequent use of chromebooks and computers.
May 1, 2017: Is a junior allowed to escort a student from another school to the Shen prom?
May 1, 2017: has the high school ever considered adding a creative writing class?
May 1, 2017: We need recycling bins on athletic fields! It’s better for the environment, these bottles can make the campus money and therefore the bins will pay for themselves (note that the water-refilling machines on water fountains were paid for by the proceeds of the school’s recycled bottles), and this will make our athletic fields appear and actually be cleaner, impressing our guests and opponents. Crazy that this still isn’t a thing!
May 1, 2017: What exactly does the school put on the final senior year transcripts that they send to colleges? Do they put the grades from each quarter or the year as a whole?
May 1, 2017: I forgot my lunch code where can I find out what it is
May 1, 2017: I noticed an earlier question about the age of Shen. It seems that a number of towns got together to create a viable school district for because of their small size but close proximity. Has there been any discussion of splitting up the district? It’s huge and given the growth of the area, I can’t help but wonder if this a district of 10,000 is what was envisioned 67 years ago.
May 1, 2017: what happens if you lost your student id?
May 1, 2017: Should teachers be allowed to have their children use building computers before and after school?
May 1, 2017: Can I find out Shen policy on recess attire. My child is refusing to wear a jacket to school when it is cold in the morning with warmer temp predicted later in the day. My child’s recess aide makes them wear it during recess and not aloud to take it off. She tells them Shen’s rule is if your parent sent you to school with a jacket you need to wear it at recess. That’s all fine and good during the winter, but fall/spring it can be 30 at 7:20 and 50-60 at noon. I have asked in the school office and they say they don’t have that rule. If kids are hot running around then it’s ok to take off on the hotter days and the aide are told to use their judgement. My child’s aide seems to be a dictator and makes up her own rules, but nothing is done. So I will not be sending my child with a jacket and my child will be the last to complain about being cold. I just hope this doesn’t lead to retaliation from my child aide. I just really want to know if my child’s recess aide can dictate if the children can use their own judgement on wearing a jacket outside or not.
May 1, 2017: If I am 18, am I allowed to call myself in sick or for any excused absence?
March 30, 2017: I have a question about allocation of money for sports: I have heard that football player’s uniforms are provided for them while tennis dresses, for example, cost $60 and are paid for by the athlete. Does the district regularly discriminate between sports, in terms of funds provided?
March 30, 2017: Can high school east teachers make students stay after school?
March 30, 2017: What are the attendance requirements for graduating? I can’t find them anywhere on the site
March 30, 2017: How can I get my working papers?
March 30, 2017: Does the English regents factor into the AP Language and Composition final grade?
March 23, 2017: Do you have to pay to get into Shensational?
March 23, 2017: Is kindergarten going to full day in September?
March 23, 2017: Where can I access old high school yearbooks?
March 23, 2017: my son wants to play shen hockey, but hes in the 7th grade. what should he do?
March 23, 2017: What are the requirements for the National Junior Honor Society? Is this the only middle school honors program? I heard there was something for those with averages over a 95%. I can’t find information on the district website. Thank you.
March 23, 2017: Are teachers allowed to share their political views and choices with students/ classes? I have a teacher that consistently bashes trump directly and indirectly and I find it quite inappropriate and it makes me feel uncomfortable.
March 8, 2017: My child is in elementary school. He is in 3rd grade and they won’t let him play the violin! When he asked the teacher, they told him no! Why is this here, this is so mean to children!
March 8, 2017: Are there free condoms available in the nurses office?
March 8, 2017: I was not aware that a principal can make a school/building policy without BOE/District review. Mr. Burns has made a Acadia policy not to allow students to decorate a locker for any occasion (i.e. B-Days, school spirit, support or recognition). It is my understanding that he made this policy after a parent complained that their son or daughter couldn’t have their locker decorated. Kids have been decorating lockers for school spirit, accomplishments and birthdays for a long time and it is part of the experience of school. I really hope that this will be looked at more closely and the appropriate action be taken to have this policy removed and let the kids have some fun and express themselves. A SIS message to the Acadia parents would be helpful to understand what the policy is going forward. Thank You.
March 8, 2017: how many classes do you have to fail to go to summer school. i am in middle school
March 8, 2017: Where do you buy the buffalo chicken pizza that is served at lunch in the high schools?
March 8, 2017: At what time must a student in middle school be in homeroom by?
March 7, 2017: Why are kids that are bused to private schools allowed to bring their athletic equipment on the bus, ie: baseball bats? My son was NOT allowed to bring his baseball bats on the bus and he was expected to make other arrangements to get his equipment to school. Doesn’t seem very fair!
March 7, 2017: Are teachers allowed to swear? One of my teachers swears a lot.
March 7, 2017: Is it possible to petition to fire a teacher?
March 7, 2017: If we take an AP class, can we opt out of taking the AP exam? If so what are the consequences?
March 7, 2017: Can high school teachers fix the grades in the portal after the quarter has ended? If so, when are they able to? A teacher had an error with a grade from quarter 2 and has yet to fix it. Thanks!
March 7, 2017: Why do students at Shen high school hate students at Saratoga high school so much? the yell some pretty vulgar things at the sporting events and it’s a little concerning, can’t we all just love each other?
March 7, 2017: How come my parents pay thousands upon thousands upon thousands of dollars every year in school taxes, yet I, as a responsible high school student, am not allowed to use the colored ink in the computer lab without really special permission from a teacher?
March 7, 2017: I was wondering if Shen ever had a gymnastics team, and also if the district would ever consider starting one? This seems to be one of the only sports not represented by Shen, and in such a large district, the interest would certainly be there (especially given the popularity of gymnastics as of late). Thank you so much for your time! I really appreciate it!!
March 7, 2017: If students pursue/complete the Capital Region BOCES Career and Technical School pathway, will they receive a High School Regents Diploma?
March 7, 2017: what kind of gowns are the seniors wearing this year for graduation? traditional green and white ?
March 7, 2017: Are we allowed to wear hats during school hours
March 7, 2017: For the Infinite Campus App, what’s our District ID?
February 3, 2017: In 9th grade, is there a class for honors Spanish – or is Spanish 2A considered an honors class?
February 3, 2017: What is the grade you have to get in order to not fail? I thought it was a 53 and below was a failing grade. I’m in middle school.
February 3, 2017: My child told me that his geometry teacher went to Disney during school and not during a vacation. Does the school allow her to do this?
February 3, 2017: Are the medals awarding people with >95 GPA at graduation for weighted or unweighted gpa?
February 3, 2017: How does early dismissal work for seniors at East?
February 3, 2017: why don’t we get school off on muslim holidays?
February 3, 2017: Does shen submit weighted or unweighted GPA’s to colleges?
February 3, 2017: Can girls join the shen football team?
February 3, 2017: What’s the district’s policy on the amount of time teachers give students to prepare for a quiz/test? Also does the district have a policy on teachers letting parents know when a quiz/test is going to take place?
February 3, 2017: What is the total number of eligible district voters?
January 12, 2017: By how much are honors classes, DDE, and AP classes weighted in HS?
January 12, 2017: Can campus patrol arrest you?
January 12, 2017: Does campus patrol have any authority whatsoever outside of shen property?
January 12, 2017: what is the district ID for the mobile parent portal
January 12, 2017: What is the point of having to recite the Pledge of Allegiance at the beginning of every single school day? Also, why would students have to promise their loyalty (pledge allegiance) to this country?
January 12, 2017: Are students allowed to use limited profanities such as “d*mn” in the classroom, or if not, at least outside? This is an unfair rule to STRICTLY enforce as the a few high school and even middle school teachers use language outside (and it often becomes a habit that enters the classroom, as well) the classroom.
January 4, 2017: Are grammar and spelling taught at Shen?
January 4, 2017: What is the school’s policy on head lice? If the nurse finds lice in a child’s hair are they sent home and rechecked before entering school? Is the class notified that a student in the class has lice? I’ve heard that students have lice and are sent back to class. If this is the case how can you be sure to stop the spread of lice. I realize lice does not spread disease but to treat lice you must submit your child to a pesticide, which is not something a parent wants their child to be exposed to. The “super lice” you have to get prescription with is a heavier dose.
December 15, 2016: Is there Saturday detention is so how long is it?
December 15, 2016: What is a referral?
December 15, 2016: Can I elect to keep my child home if there is a two hour delay due to the weather?
December 15, 2016: Where do we sign up for sports?
December 15, 2016: Why are there separate high schools for 9th graders and 10-12th graders?
December 15, 2016: If I wanted a class change, should I email my counselor or talk schedule a meeting with them?
December 15, 2016: I do not want my child taking art for the 3rd and 4th quarter. Is there away I can opt him out. Its unnecessary!
December 1, 2016: Why are the sports team banquets so late after the season?
December 1, 2016: Does Shen treat its grounds to control ticks?
December 1, 2016: Is it possible to refuse to go on a field trip? If so, how (not paying, etc.)?
December 1, 2016: My daughter was told she was going to get detention because she said to her friend Merry Christmas who celebrates Christmas. A staff member over heard and said it may offend the other children. How is this fair and right?
December 1, 2016: When calculating one’s GPA for the year, are one-semester (half year) classes weighted the same as two-semester (full year) classes?
December 1, 2016: Is the overall average on the quarterly report cards weighted?
December 1, 2016: I know numerous students who are trying to get into 6th grade math honors. Is it possible to switch halfway through the year? If yes, what are the requirements?
November 23, 2016: Is there a dress code for teachers? It looks like Casual Friday found 4 more friends.
November 23, 2016: Are students allowed to chew tabaco on the back of the bus?
November 23, 2016: Who is paying for the football field lights when they are on? I saw a non Shen soccer team on it last night with all the lights on. My taxes?
November 23, 2016: Can we paint the Shen buses green for Shen pride?
November 23, 2016: May I ask why there is an “I’m not a robot” requirement before posting a comment?
November 23, 2016: Is there any way the schedule can be left open when the portal closes for grading updates? While I try very hard to not make doctors appointments durning the school day sometimes it can’t be helped. The schedule was closed so I had no idea if it was an A or B day.
November 23, 2016: It seems strange that a 9th grade student, for example, that is taking Algebra Honors would receive the same weight for the course as a 9th grade student taking Algebra 2 Honors, a double accelerated course. This skews the class ranks in an unfavorable way for accelerated kids. Is there a reason why this is the policy?
November 23, 2016: Is there a meme club?If so how can I join.
November 23, 2016: Is it against the rules to post memes about Shen on an Instagram account or some social media platform? It would be funny for memes (ironic images or jokes that get spread around easily on the internet) to be based on Shen issues, and laughs. It would be funny for people to take their PRIDE in their school with funny images.
November 23, 2016: What is the point in classes such as art and general music? Especially for general music, if children do not want to be in chorus, band, or orchestra, they most likely would not want to take a music course. All the courses do is hurt my child’s average and it is ridiculous because personally, I have never used music a single day in my career. If there is some sort of way to not do these courses could you please say it? Thank you and have a great day!
November 23, 2016: I know that Shen schools have emergency drills for the students, faculty and staff to practice what they need to do. But my kids now tell me that there are no drills during lunch periods and they haven’t had any instruction on what to do for a lock down etc. during lunch. My question is are the kids and staff instructed on what to do during an emergency during there lunch period?
November 23, 2016: Which of the Shenedehowa schools have won the national blue ribbon of excellent from the U.S. DOE and for what years?
November 15, 2016: What is your policy on the new “All Gender” bathroom in the Acadia 7th Grade wing? Who is this bathroom supposed to be used by? Can it be used casually by any student?
November 15, 2016: Why is there a four-to-a-table rule in the library? I often go to the library with myself and more than 3 other friends (so 4). The odd person out will usually move a chair up to the table so we can all sit together. Me and my other peers frequently get yelled at for this, even when there are countless open tables. I don’t see how this is a problem, as long as the noise is kept in check. I believe that there should be a 3 strikes system for noise level if there is more than 4 to a table, seeing as more people = more noise. Names are taken of each person at the table, if there are more than 4, and they are being noisy. If someone’s name appears 3 times, they are not allowed to sit more than 4 anymore. Thanks for the feedback.
November 15, 2016: Where does Shen get their lunch food from? Can I buy products used at Shen at grocery store, because some of it is quite good?
November 15, 2016: Do comments and questions on grapevine get forwarded to the department in question? For example, did the physical education department receive the complaint that High Schoolers went outside when it snowed?
November 15, 2016: This may be a stupid question, but how do students in HSE go to see their counselors? Do we need to make appointments, or can we just walk in and talk to them when we need to?
November 15, 2016: how much of the orchestra grade will be practicing?
November 15, 2016: If a student gets picture retakes will they receive a different student ID with the new picture on it.
November 15, 2016: Does the district any official guidelines on how a student who identifies with a different gender than they were born with should be referred to? It seems like at least one student is complaining that they are being called a she when they want to be called a he or vice versa. Does the student have to legally have their named changed or can they just announce to a teacher that they are now a different name/gender without any type of legal documents?
November 2, 2016: if you have a therapy animal, can you bring it to school?
November 2, 2016: Can 9th graders apply for the Tri M Music Honor Society?
November 2, 2016: What is the protocol regarding passes at HSE. Are teachers required to write a pass on an official gold sheet (even if they ran out)? If I have anything signed, dated, and with the location on it it should be accepted as a pass. If it’s not, that’s absurd!
November 2, 2016: If we didn’t get a chance to shower before school can we take a quick one in once we get inside the building and have 40mins to wait? (HSE)
November 2, 2016: I heard that senior classes are not weighted with the ap or honors credit, is this true?
November 2, 2016: Why doesn’t the students that have an overall average of 90%-94% ever get recognized for there academic achievements? That average is not good enough in Shen..those students work hard too!
November 2, 2016: Who is required to actually wear their ID cards? Just seniors, and if so, why not 10th or 11th?
November 2, 2016: My bus driver told me that you are not allowed to get off the bus after you get on it. Is this an actual rule, because if so I was never aware of it before?
November 2, 2016: Is there a policy regarding weather and outside gym? My daughter is at HS West and they went outside while it was snowing. My daughter has long thick hair and it was drenched when she came in from class.
November 2, 2016: What is the policy for “senior night” games for varsity sports? If we have players talented enough to make a varsity team at Shen they should be given the respect and opportunity to at least play a few minutes of their senior night game.
November 2, 2016: why did the high schools stop doing prom king and queen?
November 2, 2016: Will Shen consider hiring teaching assistants?
November 2, 2016: What Internet Service Provider does Shen use?
November 2, 2016: Why do we not have a fencing team? Would it be possible to get one sometime this year, or for next year?
November 2, 2016: What exactly do students and parents do at the middle school ice cream socials?
November 2, 2016: Why do high schoolers have to get on the bus so early? Why can’t the middle school start at 7:45 and the high school start at 8:50?
November 2, 2016: Does Shenendehowa have any policies regarding fundraisers? My child attends Skano and we just received our third fundraiser and we’ve been back to school less than a full month. Grade-level – Playground – PTA. A bit much, don’t you think?
November 2, 2016: Does the personal dev and fitness grade go into the GPA
November 2, 2016: Why were we asked to sound spell our names in homeroom?
November 2, 2016: Is there a rule saying that an 8th grader can’t play varsity basketball. I’m 5’2 but I can still play really good.
October 21, 2016: A question about middle school interm reports- does the 1st quarter grade impact grade point average for final grade? Also does it impact ability to make honors list? Thanks
October 21, 2016: I know this has been asked before but the answer never seems to dig deep enough. Why is there such a discrepancy in field trips among the middle schools. Acadia 6th grade just went to Massachusetts. Gowana 6-1 went to Ellms Farm. Gowana 6-2 stayed at school and had a team day on campus. Hmmm. In 8th grade, Acadia goes to Washington, DC and their students also participate in the “8th grade field trip” to Great Escape, while Gowana students only go to Great Escape. What has to change so that the Gowana students (and assumingly Koda too) get to go on the same types of field trips? Skip Great Escape for 8th graders (since kids go there all the time on their own) and take them all to Washington DC! There is such an inequity in the field trips. If it’s up to the team teachers, then maybe it’s time to change them up or change up the rules so all kids benefit from the trips!
October 21, 2016: Would any of the elementary schools accept Box Tops for Education that have expired? Thanks.
October 19, 2016: What does CAPS stand for?
October 19, 2016: The parking lot at Orenda was recently reconfigured and the parking spots were made WAY TOO narrow in the row closest to the campus road. I work at Orenda and surprise, my front bumper was clipped last week. Parents park there before school to avoid reversing out of spots and zoom forward onto the campus road after dropping off. Also, they park at an angle to prevent a car parking next to them and take up two spots, helping them to shoot forward and taking up spots for employees attempting to park. Shouldn’t they be waiting in the designated parent drop off lane in the parking lot? Some parents are still pulling up in the far row and sending kids running through the parking lot and even across to the middle school. This holds up employees and on several occasions, school buses trying to get in line to unload, not to mention, it is incredibly irresponsible and dangerous. If a large vehicle, such as an SUV parks in the far row, there is no room to even open car doors and you can’t see to reverse out of a spot. This has created a dangerous situation in the lot and it should be reexamined. Thank you.
October 19, 2016: What are the multipliers for honors, AP, and college level classes?
October 19, 2016: Why has teaching cursive writing been eliminated from the school curriculum?
October 19, 2016: How do high schoolers get into the national honor society?
October 19, 2016: Can you post the rules for Halloween costumes at school? Masks? No masks?, makeup?, etc. Hearing a lot of different versions
October 19, 2016: what is the world honor language society and how do i join
October 19, 2016: Why do we not have prom king and queen anymore.
October 12, 2016: What is Shen going to do about the class sizes getting bigger and bigger every year there’s no room in any of the school as is now and I don’t see it getting better.
October 12, 2016: Where does the school of excellence designation for Shen come from? Is it from an accreditation? Or is it a tagline created by the district itself? If it’s an accreditation, where does that come from, i.e. who issues it, what are the standards, and when and how is the accreditation audited for continued validity? Thanks.
October 12, 2016: Can someone please advise as to why a large number of spectators are allowed to stand on the football field with the team. Some of these individuals I understand, Dr. Robinson, Mr. Culnan but not the former football players who no longer attend Shen. I counted over 25 spectators standing on the field at the last home Shen game. Then at the CBA game the same individuals were allowed on the field again.
October 12, 2016: I was wondering if instead of just advertising on the new sign when the football games were, we could advertise every game/match/meet that’s going on at Shen that week. There are other sports than just football.
October 12, 2016: What are the actual issues surrounding the bottle flipping game? What harm has such an innocent game wrought?
October 12, 2016: Hello, does Shen have any involvement in environmental conservation efforts? The school would be a great way to raise awareness for the next generation, and as such, would it be possible to raise awareness this November 28? On that day, it was six months since Harambe was shot, and I think to raise awareness about this endangered species, the silverback gorilla, we could have a moment of silence on that day.
October 6, 2016: Why is PDA allowed?
October 6, 2016: Why does HSW have a salad bar, will this be offered at HSE I know a lot of kids would eat from the salad bar. Its a great idea and great way to have the kids eat healthy.
October 6, 2016: Given the new posters encouraging against swearing, what is Shen’s actual view on swearing? Why limit our use of drastic words that properly express our thoughts and emotions?
October 6, 2016: Has Shen ever considered creating a show choir?
October 6, 2016: I am a young professional and a 2012 graduate of Shenendehowa currently working as an Admissions Counselor. Are there any volunteer opportunities for people who don’t have kids? How can I be more involved in the Shen community or who can I speak to about this?
October 6, 2016: If I religiously observe Rosh Hashanah and I stayed home from school, would it be a legal absence?
October 6, 2016: I see that one Grapevine reader complemented the school district on the new electronic signs. However, for the rest of us, please explain why they were needed and how much they cost to install and operate.
October 6, 2016: Why do parents of athletes who make the team but do not play expected to volunteer, or they are sent what could be be taken as threatening emails. Stating if you don’t step up you will be assigned, and it will be your responsibility to find someone to replace you. Some parents are not able to volunteer , or feel that they should not have to if their child does not play .
October 6, 2016: My daughter has just started 7th grade. She is interested in joining cheerleading. How and when do sign ups/ try out occur? Thank you
October 6, 2016: What grade do you take your senior portraits
October 6, 2016: Are parents permitted on the side lines of the football field?
September 23, 2016: Is there a limit to the length of a students’ bus ride. My grandchildren leave Tesago at 2:15 and the bus drops them at their house in the Oaks at 3:05. This is their regular time. I thought it seemed rather long
September 23, 2016: Why does SHEN have so many TALENTED athletes who are GOOD enough to make a SHEN team, But are not Good enough to play in the actual game?
September 23, 2016: Why are Coaches children, and non team students aloud on the Football field sidelines ?
September 23, 2016: How come there is a Spanish Club, French Club, and German Club but no Latin Club? I’m a Latin student and I think learning more about ancient civilization in Rome would be fun!!!
September 23, 2016: Is it possible to see your child’s NY state test? Not just the results. Thank you.
September 23, 2016: Is the SHEN weight room open to alumni?
September 23, 2016: Why can athlets wear their uniform that break dress code to school and don’t get yelled at ,but a normal kid who wears the same thing will
September 23, 2016: Can non SHEN students play on Shen sports teams or join Shen extra curricular clubs if they attend private schools or are home schooled but live in the Shen district?
September 20, 2016: Do I need an adult to go to homecoming?
September 20, 2016: The practice of granting religious holidays off is archaic and discriminatory. I understand that Christmas is a Federal Holiday, but Yom Kippur and Good Friday are not. If Shenendehowa is truly committed to culturally responsive practice, It will modernize the school calendar and stop giving preference to certain religions, as many schools in New York State already have.
September 20, 2016: How does one start a school club?
September 20, 2016: When does the after school food start in the satellite cafeteria?
September 20, 2016: Which parts of HSE have AC?
September 20, 2016: What is the earliest time a student can be dropped off at High School West in the morning?
September 20, 2016: Has any thought been given to revising the school supplies lists for the middle schools. After buying items some teachers have added materials or said to disregard what was asked for on the list and asked us to get something different.
September 20, 2016: When students see a friend coming to school drunk or on drugs, should we report this? Will we be anonymous? Thanks.
September 20, 2016: Are the Clifton Park Commons park of shen? Does campus patrol check that area? Thanks!
September 20, 2016: Teachers are forcing my daughter to stand for the pledge and that is against her rights. Is something being done about this?
September 15, 2016: Why are there no recycling bins on athletic fields? They should be there.
September 15, 2016: How do I access previous year’s grades for my student? I use the parent portal and cannot locate them. I have also looked using my pc and the infinite campus to no avail. Where are these locate? Thank you
September 15, 2016: I just went to pay my tax bill online and find it interesting that it will cost me 3% , plus a one time fee of $0.50 to do so. It costs me less to pay my bill a month late with a 2% penalty than it does to pay on time on line. Why exactly is that? Afterall I am saving everyone time, paper, gasoline and money transferring the funds rather than doing it in person.
September 15, 2016: Why are the Intermediate Wing Special Education and AIS classrooms at Skano allowed to have furniture – fouton couch, bean bags, etc? I thought furniture was regulated due to student health and safety – viruses, bacteria, germs, illnesses.
September 15, 2016: Good morning! Just wondering if the Texas Instruments Ti-84 CE calculator is acceptable for 9th grade? Thank you
September 15, 2016: Are you allowed to wear hats in High School West?
September 15, 2016: Does Shen offer archery in the high school? I’m going into East next year. I noticed last year we did a one day archery “unit” but I was wondering if we ever do a true archery unit or if there are any after school options for this. If not, is it possible to set one up? Thanks!
September 15, 2016: can a 6th grader play a modified sport
September 15, 2016: why do they not use the scoreboard for Modified or Freshman football and is only on for JV and Varsity.
September 15, 2016: Has anyone notable ever graduated from this school?
September 15, 2016: Has Shen considered supplying free femine supplies in the bathrooms at Shen? It is difficult and stressful for girls to carry these supplies with them during the day.
September 15, 2016: I am looking for tutoring services especially in Math within the district, we are on subsidized lunch program. Any help is appreciated. Thanks!
September 10, 2016: Im going to be an 8th grader in Gowana this upcoming school year and I was wondering if I could skateboard to school and back on paths only and put it in my locker during shool hours. I would not ride it in the school and I would also get their before buses arrive.
September 10, 2016: Has Shen ever considered acknowledging the top 20 or top 30 instead of only the valedictorian and the salutatorian?
September 10, 2016: What’s the difference between principle of chemistry and ps/regents chemistry
September 10, 2016: Where would I find a HSE building floor plan?
September 10, 2016: How and when do children who are interested in the BOCES programs such as culinary or cosmetology get information about this? Also, if my nine grader was put in studio arts fine arts will they be able to get into multi media arts classes in the future during high school or will they be limited to the craft or fine arts?
September 10, 2016: I was told by a junior he recieved a parking pass for work, is this possible and can I apply for one
September 10, 2016: Can a student change their team assignments? I.e. 7-1 to 7-2?
September 10, 2016: Does Shen have a glee club?
August 23, 2016: Do you think the school would allow a female football player on the Shen football team, if they happen to play good enough?
August 23, 2016: Is there currently, or will Shen ever have a shooting sports team or club of any kind (3 position rifle, trap, etc)? I think it would be a great opportunity for students, especially given the limited number or shooting ranges nearby.
August 23, 2016: If a student is attending a period 0 class in a middle school, what time can he be dropped off?
August 23, 2016: What’s read 180?
August 23, 2016: Is it true that my child will have to bring home a fake baby robot thing during health class in highschool? If so then why and can my child opt out of it?
August 23, 2016: Can high school coaches, during the school season instruct specific Clifton Park affiliated sports programs for their teams? Wouldn’t that be unfair to athletes that do no play on those specific teams during school tryouts?
August 23, 2016: What’s the policy for cell phones in High School East and West? Are we allowed to use our phones in the lunchroom? Do we use them often in class?
August 23, 2016: How is the dress code enforced in the middle school, and what are the punishments for violating it?
August 23, 2016: how big of a backpack will students need for 9th grade?
August 23, 2016: How to achieve a Superintendent’s award at the end of 8th grader?
August 23, 2016: Is a younger child entering 6th grade generally given the same teaching team as their older sibling?
August 23, 2016: Where would it be possible to obtain a map of one of the schools?
August 23, 2016: Do we have a school district foundation?
August 23, 2016: I am not receiving Shen’s SIS messages anymore. Who should I contact to make sure the school has my correct email address?
August 23, 2016: As I look through my child’s Karigon school supply list, I noticed a $10 fee for “special activities”. Perplexed on what special activities are being done, I looked at other supply list in Karigon and throughout the district. Schools like Tesago and Arongen do not ask for extra money. Why is my child asked to send in extra? What special activities will this money be used for?
August 23, 2016: Hi my son is going into 7th grade at Gowana and no longer wants to be in band. How do I change this for him.
August 23, 2016: Could the district please address the geese which continue to deficate on the lawn in front of the Aquatic Center and the parking lot behind this facility. It is a public nuisance and poses a health hazard to our children.
August 23, 2016: Where can I find a list of the available electives? I tried searching it in the search bar, but I could not find it. Thanks!
August 23, 2016: Why doesn’t Shen have a marching band? With a school this size I am surprised we don’t have one and marching bands are cool.
July 28, 2016: Where is the food for school lunches provided from?
July 28, 2016: What is the expectation for teachers posting grades in their gradebooks? My kid has 2 grades posted this quarter in band, both of those from the first half of the quarter and was told no more grades would be posted. He goes to band every day so this can’t possibly represent the full effort of his work this quarter. And he has no individual lesson grades posted either, which either indicates a lack of effort by the teacher to provide any feedback to the kids on their progress or that they did not receive any instrument lessons at all this quarter. How are kids supposed to improve if they receive no feedback from their teachers on their progress over the course of the quarter? Seems to me some teachers are not doing their jobs!
July 28, 2016: Can a junior get a parking pass if they are involved with the fire department?
July 28, 2016: Why can’t students get up right after they are done with the Regents Exam? Why do they have to wait 2 hours to get up?
July 28, 2016: How do I get my diploma if I didn’t go to graduation?
July 28, 2016: How do you go about signing up for the text messages regarding a particular Shenendehowa graduating class (ie. graduating class of 2017, 2018 , 2019 etc.)? I believe you have to text a code to 81010, but I can’t locate anything on the Shen website. Thank you!
July 28, 2016: Can 11th graders participate in the Inventors competition at Shenendehowa or is it just for middle schoolers?
July 28, 2016: Can I drop a high school elective now or do I have to wait for school to start?
July 28, 2016: I think the students entering the military should get their names announced at graduation. I feel that serving our country in this way deserves just as much recognition as getting high grades.
July 28, 2016: how do I get a copy of a yearbook from the late 80s when I went to skano elemental school?
July 28, 2016: Is it possible to start an English honor society?
July 12, 2016: What is the procedure to creating a club at Shen? PLEASE ANSWER ASAP!!
July 12, 2016: Do you need physics to graduate of you took chemistry and biology ?
July 12, 2016: I’m going to be a junior this upcoming school year. I looked at the requirements for the junior citizenship pass and I pass all of them. When do I fill out the sheet to get the pass and who do I give it to? Was I supposed to do this before this school year is over? Or is it a fall thing?
July 12, 2016: Hello, I was wondering what happens if a student fails a regents exam? Sometimes it’s not the students fault but rather the student simply doesn’t understand the teachers teaching methods. It’s simply my opinion, I don’t always think it’s the students fault for failing an exam, I’m not implying it isn’t always but sometimes the student can study and study and get nervous and simply blank out!
July 12, 2016: Has Shen ever thought about doing away with the valedictorian and salutatorian and instead present the the top ten students in the graduating class?
July 12, 2016: Is there a dress code for classroom teachers?
July 12, 2016: Can the public start using the pool for just swimming during the summer? How much is it? When is it open? Do shen students get in for free? Thank you for answering my questions.
July 12, 2016: Just out of curiosity why can’t show their shoulders I mean let’s face it no guy is going to go up to a girl and go “hey you have sexy shoulders you wanna go out?” Not trying to be funny or rude just inquiring.
July 12, 2016: Are staff members properly trained to report sign of abuse? Do they take classes?
July 12, 2016: Why are schedules already out? And I’ve found that a lot of them have many mistakes (wrong classes, empty periods, etc.)
July 12, 2016: I wasn’t sure I heard this correctly, though it was the answer on the grapevine. The atheletes get luxury charter busses? Which athelets? These busses are in the parking lot year round, and there are more than 2 each day. Which atheletes get to ride these?
July 12, 2016: How much do finals count towards a student’s final grade for middle school?
July 11, 2016: Is there a 1.06 multiplier on the college marketing elective at Shen?
July 11, 2016: Why does Okte have so many air conditioners in the classrooms?
July 11, 2016: If a high school student is not in school during the day are they allowed to participate in a concert that evening? What about a sporting event? Is it true that there were a number of seniors out Monday after prom who seemed to have gotten better that evening for their choir concert.
July 11, 2016: Many students and parents are unable to understand the difference between final exams and regents in high school. Too, they find it hard to understand how the testings figure into the grade equations for the quarter, or the overall grading of the year. Would you be so kind as to spell that out here in this forum? Thank you!
July 11, 2016: My son is attending Shatekon in the fall. Is there any other way to stay connected with PTA and school events other than Facebook? I would really like to get involved with activities, but dont want to have a social media account.
July 11, 2016: Is it just me or should there not being homework right before finals so students can focus on review? Curious what others think
July 11, 2016: Does gym count in your total average when determining rank and for college?
July 11, 2016: When is homecoming 2016?
July 11, 2016: Every day afternoon route 412p shows up late to pick the kids up. Has this driver been reprimanded or has any action been taken to improve this situation?
July 11, 2016: Could you please explain the significance of the cords, gold tassels and medals at high school graduation?
July 11, 2016: I was told you get a gold tassel by getting the advanced regents diploma. I earned my advanced regents diploma but no gold tassel. did I hear incorrectly or was there a mistake?
July 11, 2016: I have a senior who will be graduating shortly. He still has money in his lunch account that he won’t be needing. How do I get this money back?
July 11, 2016: why is there not a modified team for girl’s tennis?
July 11, 2016: Is there a dress code for elementary school. Can my daughter wear a tank top because it is school appropriate
July 11, 2016: I am a senior and is it okay if my parent(s) don’t call in my absence to the attendance office for senior skip day?
July 11, 2016: How often are cars towed because they don’t have a parking pass at the high school? Thanks
July 11, 2016: Why do the elementary schools not follow the same policy as the middle schools regarding notifying someone of their interview status? The middle schools notify candidates either way, whether they have made it to the next round or not. The elementary schools should show the same amount of respect and professionalism to their candidates.
July 11, 2016: Is there a rule of not carrying a backpack in middle school?
July 11, 2016: Why are there so many dumb questions on this blog?
July 11, 2016: Do you update the grapevine in the summer months too?
July 11, 2016: I found online the health forms needed to enter certain grades but it does not say where to send them. Do they go to the district office or the specific school’s nurse?
July 11, 2016: I graduated from Shen last year, and my shenschools gmail account has since been disabled. How can I have this reactivated? I have important files on my drive, and we were not notified beforehand that our accounts would be removed.
July 11, 2016: At HSE every once in awhile when I’m running late for homeroom and the pledge starts, monitors will force me to stop walking and stand until the pledge is completed. Considering that district policy and New York State law both state that students do not have to participate in the pledge of allegiance, shouldn’t this not be allowed?
June 17, 2016: how come Karigon is not allowed to play tag, go on the playground without sneakers, play soccer or do flips on the bars?
June 17, 2016: What will Shen do to further protect the safety of our children? I know some schools have placed metal detectors, I was wondering if we will be implementing metal detectors in the future?
June 17, 2016: Where can I apply for working papers?
June 7, 2016: Is there a height requirement for the varsity basketball team, because i’ve noticed most players are at least over 6ft tall. I’m just wondering this because i’m only 5ft 2 but i know i can still ball like the rest, maybe even better.
June 7, 2016: You recently answered a question about a Math tutor incorrectly. The district DOES maintain a list of tutors for a variety of subjects.
June 7, 2016: When it comes to the track, how many laps in each respective lane equates to 1 mile? Obviously, more laps are required for the inside and less for the outside. Thanks :)
June 7, 2016: Why are the highschoolers forced to get out of bed so early? In order for me to get the correct amount of sleep for my body, i would have to go to bed an hour before i get home. and that leaves no time for me to do the buckets of homework that we’re assigned every night. if you look around at the students, it will be difficult to find one who doesnt have dark circles under their eyes.
June 7, 2016: How long is graduation going to take
June 3, 2016: Are there make up or alternative dates for finals?
June 2, 2016: I was wondering how much the Graduation Tickets are, I would like everyone to know for when they come! THANKS!
June 2, 2016: Are teachers allowed to hold us after the bell?and if so even at the end of 9th period?
June 2, 2016: I was noticing that there are different speed limits around the district. For example Okte is 30, Chango is 20, the campus seems to be 15. Who determines what the speed limit should be?
June 2, 2016: Why don’t some teachers allow water bottles? Isn’t some sort of violation?
June 2, 2016: Why isn’t crew funded by the school district?
May 23, 2016: Why does Shen stress athletics so much? For example, spending thousands of dollars on a weight room but cutting art classes?
May 23, 2016: I’ve been told that IMS can see into our phones and watch everything they do on the computers… Can they really, or is it just a scare tactic?
May 23, 2016: Are the computers and computer networks at Shenendehowa secure? I’m a taxpayer and a parent. I don’t want my child’s information stolen and sold to pedophiles online.
May 23, 2016: How do I take health over the summer.
May 23, 2016: Why would students get told to arrive for the SAT earlier if they have to wait outside the school for over 20 minutes? It’s kind of ridiculous that the school made all the students stand outside and wait.
May 23, 2016: Why can’t I bring a 8th grader to the 10th grade semi formal
May 23, 2016: I’m a junior and since juniors can’t drive to school I have to take the bus. My bus comes at approximately 6:34am and sometimes earlier. I find myself almost missing the bus because it consistently comes earlier as the week progresses. When my bus gets to campus, at 6:50am, we have to wait on the bus until 7:10am. That’s 20 minutes of sitting on the bus Infront of school. My question is Why can’t the bus drivers pick the students up at least five minutes later instead of rushing to school to wait Infront for 20 minutes?
May 23, 2016: Could you give any suggestions or point a parent in the right direction as to where I might be able to find a math tutor for my child??
May 23, 2016: Can my kindergarten girl wear makeup to school
May 23, 2016: Is being on the school board a paid job?
May 23, 2016: Are teachers allowed to have tattoos visible on their bodies?
May 23, 2016: I don’t want to say any particular names as I don’t want to offend anyone, but my child told me that their instructor was teaching false historical occurrences, specifically that there was actually an atomic bomb dropped to end WWI. Whether it was a joke or not, my child thought that it had been taught as fact, and I don’t understand why teachers are allowed to get away with mocking the innocence of children, seeing what they can get away with getting students to believe.
May 23, 2016: Say someone had to go to summer school for a class, would we be able to take the class online or not?
May 16, 2016: I got a letter inviting me & my husband to the underclassman awards but it doesn’t say whether our child is actually getting an award. How do we find out if our child is getting an award?
May 16, 2016: How is the HSE library going to be renovated?
May 16, 2016: Is there a bowling team for in high school
May 16, 2016: Over the past year I’ve noticed that many students struggle with mental health issues. Is counseling doing anything to assist in this or encourage students to seek help?
May 16, 2016: I hate drinking from the water fountains. I use them in emergencies, like after gym, and I don’t bring in bottles as some teachers don’t allow them. Why don’t the custodians wash the fountains as much as they should? That is a state health violation as the mold can contaminate the water. Can something be done to encourage more frequent washing of the water fountains?
May 16, 2016: How can I change my password for the parent / student portal? I didn’t see a change password link. Thank you.
May 16, 2016: Does the Shen HSE building block my cell phone signal, I get poor reception inside the building and then LTE a few yards away from the building
May 5, 2016: I have a teacher that has taken pictures of my class in the middle of class on their personal cellphone more than once, should this be a concern?
May 5, 2016: As spring and summer events have started, is there a place on Shenendehowa’s web site that a parent can see exactly what final exam dates are for a student for planning extracurricular activates? We of course don’t want to conflict with any finals testing, however need to plan for events in advance.
May 5, 2016: Can someone have a therapy dog in school, if they have severe anxiety and panic attacks? What are the requirements?
May 5, 2016: I think they should put more bleachers at the baseball fields across from the middle schools…I am sitting on a hill right now.
May 5, 2016: How many tickets can I buy for graduation?
May 5, 2016: I lost my student I.D. for the 8th grade semi-formal, but have a ticket, dress and shoes and really want to go. Is there any way I can still go to the dance?
May 5, 2016: I’ve heard that if students do not participate in NJHS, then they wont be able to participate in NHS. Is that true?
May 5, 2016: can a little bit of skin be showing for the 8th grade semi? Like an inch?
May 5, 2016: Do eighth graders who are taking some of their regents have to return to school after the exam? If so, will a bus take them, or do their parents have to take them over? All of the students most likely will not finish at the same time, so that is why I am unsure. I do think that if they have to return to school, that it would be unfair considering that high school students get the rest of the day off after regents exams.
May 2, 2016: Before getting on the bus home, my daughter lost her calculator after being pushed down a hill of snow. What is the lost and found contact info for High School East?
May 2, 2016: What are the requirements to attend senior prom?
May 2, 2016: Why are drivers test absences marked as unexcused absences even if the parent calls ahead?
May 2, 2016: Why are the counselors strongly encouraging the students to take Health in 10th grade instead of later?
May 2, 2016: Is there a school policy that prohibits circulation of a school related petition on school grounds?
April 18, 2016: Can the high school track be used by the general public to walk on or run on during school hours?
April 18, 2016: Besides teaching time management, is there any help available for high school or middle school students with anxiety issues? Many students struggle with the same problems, but are not taken seriously by the school.
April 18, 2016: Will opting out of state testing effect my child’s opportunity to participate in school sports?
April 1, 2016: Why can’t guys wear short shorts?
April 1, 2016: Is it a mandatory school policy at HSW for the students to require a doctor’s note to excuse an absence that is due to an illness lasting “x” amount of days? My child has the flu, and considering there is nothing that can be done other than to wait it out, I do not want to have to pay money for a doctor’s visit.
March 22, 2016: Why isn’t there a traffic light at the high school entrance off Moe road? Every person I talk to, parents and staff alike, feel Is it very dangerous and like the HS parking lot, it’s only a matter of time till someone gets hurt.
March 22, 2016: Has there been any talk about making kindergarten all day, instead of half day? Half day kindergarten is ridiculous, especially for working parents. How does 2.5 hours of school prepare a child for 1st grade???
March 22, 2016: Why do public schools budgets have to pay for the busing of students to non-public (non Shen schools)? This comes out of taxpayer money for families that choose not to go to Shen schools. That’s over $100,000 is expenses. Why wouldn’t this fall on the family that chooses to go to a private school? Thank you.
March 22, 2016: What is the district/school policy if two employees/staff members engage in sexual activity?!
March 15, 2016: Can a middle school student get off at any bus stop or must they get off at their designated stop each afternoon?
March 15, 2016: Have therapy dogs always been at the high school? Or is it new?
March 14, 2016: Are HSW students allowed to walk home after school?
March 14, 2016: How can I start a club at HSE? What are the requirements?
March 14, 2016: Just curious…Do hall monitors check in on bathrooms at all? My son has come home with some stories he heard about some pretty inappropriate behaviors going on.
March 14, 2016: Why are there not universal drop-off procedures among the elementary schools? For example, at Tesago you must drop your child off at the back entrance, but, at Skano you can drop your child off at the front or back entrance?
March 4, 2016: How often are school buses checked for safety and mechanical issues. I witnessed a bus on Route 146, which while stopped at a red light and in motion, had a door wide open.
March 4, 2016: If a child accidentally spills something in the cafeteria whose responsibility is it to clean up the mess? The child or a cafeteria staff employee?
February 25, 2016: What’s the grade for the president award
February 25, 2016: I recently turned 16 and received my new working papers today. I’m planning on getting 2 jobs ( one for the summer one year round) will I need to get 2 different working papers? Thank you!
February 24, 2016: How do you get a award for 8th grade graduation? Do you need a certain grade
February 17, 2016: What is Gang Green Nation?
February 11, 2016: What are the grade ranges for the high achievement and achievement lists for middle school?
February 11, 2016: What font is used for the Shen logo (the cursive one mostly used for athletic stuff)?
February 11, 2016: How and when are MS students chosen for the MS Honor society?
February 5, 2016: The Shen School District recently granted permission to the Clifton Park Baseball League to use the logo and name “Plainsmen”. That baseball league is now advertising they are a “feeder” program for the school baseball team. Isn’t the school district putting themselves at risk by allowing a private organization to appear to be affiliated with the school system? If there are incidents with coaches from this league in front of other teams from other areas, it will reflect on the school district negatively. In addition, this gives the appearance to the kids in the Round Lake Baseball League (200+ kids) and the Halfmoon Baseball League (400 + kids), all of which reside in the Shen school system that the school will only allow kids on their school baseball team if they came thru the Clifton Park Baseball League.
February 3, 2016: What’s the grade to get a award for graduation
February 3, 2016: Are there any policies towards locker decorating?
February 2, 2016: What kind of oversight does Shen have over it’s coaches, and how do they get evaluated? It’s frustrating for a child in a freshman or JV program to never get direct feedback on what they need to do to get better. Many coaches feel that the players can ‘figure it out for themselves’. That isn’t often the case!
February 2, 2016: Wouldn’t it make way more sense to have elementary, middle, and high school’s bus times switch? For example, having high school have school start at 8:40, having middle school start at 8:00 and having elementary start at the high school time. This would make sense because the high schoolers have the most hw, and the least time to sleep. Elementary schools in other regions start earlier, so they should get used to waking up early to go to school. They are the least stressed out with school, so it just makes sense.
January 26, 2016: I know that teachers in the elementary schools have requested that the portal be closed down for several weeks, while they input grades but does it need to be closed for SO long? Is that still necessary, especially most teachers are regularly keeping up with inputting their grades? The middle school teachers don’t seem to need this length of time. The trouble is, as parents, we rely on the portal to help our kids stay on top of things. I know the district wants to encourage parents to be involved, but insists on closing it for weeks and weeks, it’s contrary to parent involvement. Can this be reevaluated? Thanks.
January 15, 2016: Is this anonymous?
January 15, 2016: Can a senior without a parking pass drive during regents week?
January 13, 2016: Do people routinely check the security camera footage from the lunch room?
January 12, 2016: Do HS students have the option to take gym every day for a semester rather than every other day for a year?
January 12, 2016: Who can apply to the World Languages Honor Society and when?
January 12, 2016: Are teachers allowed to hug students?
January 11, 2016: Would Shen ever consider school uniforms?
January 8, 2016: Do you need to be in English honors to be in social studies honors…
January 8, 2016: Weighting for college classes
December 18, 2015: Can students who graduated come back and visit the teachers? If yes, could you please tell me what the process is? Thank you.
December 18, 2015: Should or can high school students give their teachers presents around the holidays?

Karigon Elementary

June 24, 2025: Shenendehowa seniors and Karigon alumni, Sophia Spiegel and Ana Adams, complete their final Girl Scout service project by donating supplies to the Karigon Health Office during their senior walkthrough. Thank you to Girl Scout Troop #2058 for your generosity and commitment to your community.
June 18, 2025: First graders at Karigon had a fantastic time celebrating the end of the school year with their annual Camp Karigon! The school grounds were filled with laughter as students played fun games and enjoyed activities with their friends. Camp Karigon was a special day to remember, filled with friendship and fun!
June 6, 2025: Karigon held its last Best Buddies event of the 2025-26 school year. Students had a ball spending time together doing crafts, dancing, rock climbing and enjoying some sweet treats together. Best Buddies International is an organization that promotes building one-on-one relationships, and we have a thriving community of support and inclusion here at Karigon!
May 22, 2025: Karigon held their 2025 Literacy Night and Ice Cream Social where students and families came together to celebrate reading.
May 15, 2025: Karigon hosted the Echo Dance Team for a high-energy performance filled with positive messages and lots of FUN! Our Together We Can Do It assemblies are to enhance healthy habits while engaging our students in a meaningful way and this assembly rocked our socks off!
May 12, 2025: Karigon’s favorite bagpiper, Mr. McCarthy, graced us with the gift of music as we entered the building, creating a truly memorable atmosphere on Saint Patrick’s Day.
May 12, 2025: Karigon 1st Graders in Mrs. Hurst’s class celebrated National Donate Life Day by wearing blue and green to raise awareness about organ donation.
May 12, 2025: Karigon families enjoyed a fun evening learning about all things Science, Technology, Engineering & Math! Our students and their families had the wonderful opportunity to engage with robots, learn about the First Lego League, and develop their computing, engineering and coding skills.
May 12, 2025: Karigon hosted the Homespun Dance Group and we had a fantastic time singing and dancing to songs from around the world.
May 12, 2025: Karigon held its Spring Best Buddies in March and they had a wonderful time supporting the program! It was a smashing success!
June 20, 2023: Students at Karigon enjoyed field day!
May 31, 2023: The Karigon community came out in full force to enjoy our Annual Ice Cream Social and Book Exchange.
May 24, 2023: Karigon’s new mascot made their appearance at theFun Run presentation!
May 23, 2023: Principal Jones got to be the Star Student in Mrs. L’Amoureux’s 1st Grade class!
May 17, 2023: Karigon organized an event where 6 people donated at least 12″ of their hair and gave it to the organization Wigs For Kids.
May 3, 2023: Karigon class congratulates high school student teacher and Karigon grad, Lily Huerter, on the Shen Color Guard Team winning first place in the state and 7th in the country at the world championships in Dayton Ohio!
April 5, 2023: Karigon Elementary School presented the Wizard of Oz in March – it was a hit!
March 29, 2023: For “twin day” as part of Karigon’s Spirit Week Ms. Trotta’s class did tie dye or bright colors so they could all match.
March 17, 2023: ELL teacher Mrs. Feinberg teaches Mrs. Paupini’s Karigon 3rd graders about Holi and design festive flowers.
February 17, 2023: Karigon held its 1st Black History Month Celebration on February 15th. This event highlighted music and education about significant historical events and figures.
February 16, 2023: Dr. Tammy Ellis-Robinson inspired Karigon 5th graders to write poetry and share their voices using the great Maya Angelou’s writing. You might see some of these authors and creators in the next Skribblers Magazine!
December 23, 2022: Karigon to use google form to log attendance…

Koda Middle School

June 26, 2025: Koda’s 8th Grade Moving Up Ceremony.
June 24, 2025: Koda Middle School Q4 Top Dog Award Recipients in recognition of their hard work, dedication, and outstanding achievements throughout the third quarter. Students that are recognized exemplify what it means to B.A.R.K. with Bulldog Pride: Be Here, Act Responsible, Remember Safety, Kindness Matters, Set Goals.
June 2, 2025: Koda 7th Grade students attended a field trip to Wonderworks in Syracuse, NY on Thursday, May 29th.
May 27, 2025: Congratulations to Koda Middle School student, Ratnottama Bhattacharyya, for participating in the Promising Young Writers Program and being awarded the highest honor of “First Class.”
May 23, 2025: Koda 6th graders brought history to life by creating and participating in a Greek Mythology Wax Museum.
May 12, 2025: Koda Middle School Q3 Achievement List
May 7, 2025: Congratulations to Koda’s Top Dogs for Quarter 3 of the 2024-205 school year! These students have modeled the following criteria this quarter: be here, be responsible, set goals, be safe, be respectful, be kind, and be helpful.
April 16, 2025: Koda Middle School Q3 Top Dog Award Recipients in recognition of their hard work, dedication, and outstanding achievements throughout the third quarter. Students that are recognized exemplify what it means to B.A.R.K. with Bulldog Pride: Be Here, Act Responsible, Remember Safety, Kindness Matters, Set Goals.
April 11, 2025: Koda Student Council collected items for Yellow Ribbon Day sponsored by the Blue Star Mothers to support troops serving overseas.
April 15, 2024: Third Quarter Koda Gems…
December 11, 2023: Koda is all set for the holidays! ( take a look at the Food Services board by Theresa Hansen)
November 14, 2023: First Quarter Koda Gems…
October 16, 2023: Koda Kitchen is all ready for Halloween!
May 11, 2023: These 4 – 6th graders prepared, wrote, edited, practiced, edited, practiced and presented speeches to the incoming Koda Middle Schoolers last night at HS East.
March 29, 2023: Mr. Travis’ 8th Grade DDE class visited the SUNY Poly Nanotech Facility in Albany. They learned about nanotechnology, college opportunities, and potential career options.
February 17, 2023: Koda Student Council hosted its first ever Coco Loco Day.
May 4, 2022: Koda Middle School Book Fair is set for May 17-20. Click for details on schedule, online fair and e-payments…

Okte Elementary

June 18, 2025: Okte students learned all about different professions at their annual Career Day!
June 2, 2025: Okte students had beautiful weather for their Field Day today. They participated in 10 minute stations of battleships, sponge pass, pig in a pot, sack race, ladder ball, and more!
May 27, 2025: In March, Okte participated in the “Read for Ronald McDonald House” (RMCH) fundraiser. Students were challenged to raise $10,000 — and they exceeded that goal by collecting an impressive $10,763!
May 27, 2025: Okte has a new mural in the upstairs hallway created by Okte alumni, Emily Walton and Andrew Salvi. It’s inspired by the artwork of Keith Haring and features Okte’s motto, “Always Moving Forward.”
May 27, 2025: Okte students brought their A-game to Career & College Week, proudly showcasing their future goals in style. From aspiring teachers, astronauts, and doctors to professional soccer players, they’re dreaming big and dressing the part! Many also sported college and university gear, highlighting the importance of higher education in achieving their dreams.
May 21, 2025: The excitement of reading, writing and creating was felt throughout Okte during best-selling author Kate Messner’s visit to the school!
May 16, 2025: Gusta Miller, BOE member speaking in Carolyn Walton’s 3rd grade at Okte about the process of becoming a board member and voting! Civics in the making!
April 10, 2025: Okte students did an incredible job in their performance of Finding Nemo
October 30, 2023: Okte’s Best Buddies participated in the Table or Treat event this weekend. They made slime, had pumpkin volcano eruptions and trick or treated through the hallways!
May 1, 2023: Deputy Carpenter, Okte’s SRO joined in for spirit day as Okte prepared for their 50th Anniversary celebration.
March 29, 2023: One of our ELL students at Okte is excited to show off their letter sounds!
March 13, 2023: As part of reading through the decades, Okte students listened to the book, Click, Clack, Moo Cows that Type by Doreen Cronin, then they tried using typewriters, dial phones, and other technology from the 1970s -2000s.
August 14, 2018: Video about the Okte Playground…
October 3, 2017: Okte Morning Program T-shirt Fundraiser

Orenda Elementary

June 16, 2025: The Dark Knights took home the win at Orenda’s First Annual Dodgeball Tournament!
June 16, 2025: Orenda 5th graders with their Career Day speaker panel.
June 6, 2025: Orenda students take a deeper dive into the Battle of Saratoga and the important people/events that led to the colonies breaking away from British rule and becoming The United States of America!
June 2, 2025: Congratulations to Orenda’s 2025 PE Leadership Award winners!
May 12, 2025: Orenda’s Read-iculously Fun Night will be Wednesday, May 21st at 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
May 7, 2025: Orenda students, Addison Braley and Emily VanHeusen from Judy Beyers’ class were recognized by the Saratoga Daughters of the American Revolution for their essays on the Edenton Tea Party.
January 24, 2024: Orenda’s Read-iculously Fun Night Thursday, January 25th 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
June 20, 2023: Glow Day was a Fun Day for 1st Graders at Orenda. It was an all day event with activities that were all connected to the curriculum as a great review day! From Jenga Glow Math Concepts of Time and Place Value to Tic Tac Toe Fiction vs. Nonfiction Text Features!
May 23, 2023: Through a grant Mr. Week’s 3rd grade class at Orenda has been working with DEC and a program called “Trout Unlimited” to promote stream restoration in our community. They raise brook trout from the egg stage, and then release them in the spring at a permitted location.
March 7, 2023: Join us for Orenda’s Read-iculously Fun Night on Thurs., March 23rd at 6:15 pm
February 16, 2023: Mrs. Schunk’s First Grade class celebrating the 100th day of school with a construction theme.
May 22, 2018: Orenda Kindergarten Orientation Presentation

Photos

June 26, 2025: Each year graduating seniors return to their elementary schools and walk through the halls in their cap and gowns to visit their old classrooms and teachers.
June 26, 2025: Congratulations to this year’s 25 Year Club inductees!
June 26, 2025: Shatekon wishes everyone a wonderful and safe summer!
June 26, 2025: Tesago Elementary School welcomed the NYS aviation unit this week!
June 25, 2025: Shatekon 5th graders participated in Career Day and presented their vision boards to peers, teachers, and visiting guests.
June 24, 2025: Skano made the most of PE Fun Day after moving inside due to the heat! Students competed in 10 minute stations in the gym and cafeteria. They had a blast all while staying hydrated and cool.
June 23, 2025: Thank you Starpoint Church for your generous donation to Shenendehowa’s Bountiful BackPack Program. We are so grateful for ongoing support from our community!
June 16, 2025: The Girls and Boys Outdoor Track and Field Team and the Softball Team were recognized at the June 10th Board Meeting.
June 16, 2025: Mrs. Lass’ Shatekon FSD class participated in the annual Special Olympics “Young Athletes” event on Wednesday, June 11th at the Niskyuna Soccer Club. The joined other capital district elementary schools in a day filled with physical fitness and inclusion.
June 6, 2025: Four of Shenendehowa’s seniors were selected as 2025 CASDA Scholars-Students and Teachers Who Make a Difference.
June 4, 2025: Community members shared career options with students at the Skano 5th graders Career Fair.
June 4, 2025: Skano students put on a production of Go Fish for the entire school with the help of Mrs. Michalski and Mrs. Deguire.
June 2, 2025: Shen Unified Basketball faced Cohoes last week in the championship game at the MVP Arena. Congratulations to both teams on an incredible season!
May 30, 2025: The Tesago Select Chorus, directed by Michael Lotano, will be performing with schools from all over the capital district in the American Young Voices concert on Monday, June 2 at the MVP Arena in Albany!
May 27, 2025: Congratulations to the Shen Seniors who signed their National Letters of Intent last week!
May 27, 2025: Join our HSE Jazz Bands, Symphonic Band, and Wind Ensemble for their final concert of the year as we bid farewell to our band seniors in a concert titled Chillers and Thrillers. You don’t want to miss it! Thursday, May 29th at 7pm in the High School East Auditorium.
May 22, 2025: Skano first and second graders in Ozobot Club used their coding skills to design parade routes with balloons!
May 21, 2025: Last week LAMAR Advertising revealed Alexander Schloth as the winner of their annual anti-imparied driving campaign!
May 21, 2025: Join us for an out-of-this-world performance of “Stardance” by the 9th and 10th grade bands on May 28th at 7 pm in the High School East Auditorium!
May 19, 2025: Shenendehowa High School Choirs Choraliers and Bella Voce performed at Music in the Parks in Jackson Township, New Jersey.
May 16, 2025: Congratulations to Shen sophmores, Rachel Stotz and Emma Machiski, for earning top honors in the School Bus Safety Poster Contest. Rachel won 2nd place at the Regional level and Emma placed 1st at the Regional and State levels and is now headed to the National Competition!
May 14, 2025: Skano kindergarteners invite Mrs. Florio to see the chicks that hatched in their classroom.
May 13, 2025: Students in Mrs. Sansone’s class used pinwheels in the wind just like in the Wit and Wisdom book Gilberto and the Wind.
May 12, 2025: Future Shatekon Sharks were all smiles at Kindergarten Screening!
May 9, 2025: These four students do an incredible job doing the morning announcements for Gowana! They will surely be missed as they move up to HSW next year!
May 7, 2025: Shen High School students made it all the way to Iceland over spring break!
May 5, 2025: 248 students in English 11 & 11H, American Stories, Masterpieces of Drama and Musical Theatre, and the Musical Company attended a matinee performance of The Great Gatsby.
May 2, 2025: Students in Dave Roe and Thomas Armstrong’s Aerospace Engineering classes had an opportunity to visit and tour the 104th Fighter Wing Air Force Base and the New England Air Museum.
April 30, 2025: Skano fifth grader, Aiden, will be featured on News 10 for raising money for toys and gifts cards to donate to children at Albany Med instead of gifts for his birthday.
April 28, 2025: Shenendehowa elementary students spoke at Operation Safe Stop Day – an annual event to promote school bus safety and educate the public about the dangers of illegally passing a stopped school bus when its red lights are flashing.
April 23, 2025: 9th grader, Bhuvika, took first place at the tenth annual Albany Regional Brain Bee after defeating two opponents in two additional tiebreaker rounds.
April 22, 2025: 11th grader, Sonia S., is headed to the National Shakespeare Recitation Competition after winning the Albany Branch Competition (click to vote and support her in the National Competition)!
April 22, 2025: The High School International Field Trip to Peru during April break, taken at Machu Picchu. The students had an incredible experience, engaging enthusiastically with the local culture and putting their Spanish skills to great use in conversations with the people they met.
April 16, 2025: Keith Collins, Director of Clifton Park Halfmoon EMS, delivered a presentation to the Careers in Patient Care class, taught by Nate Chin. Following the presentation, his team provided students with a tour of the ambulance rig and expose students to the life-saving equipment used in emergency medical services.
April 16, 2025: High school teacher Molly Stammel and Gowana 6th grader Colin Stammel met with Governor Hochul for a round table discussion about distraction free classrooms. Both had an opportunity to have sit down discussions with lawmakers, and visit the Assembly floor.
April 15, 2025: Back in February, High School Latin students travelled to Florence, Siena, and Rome, Italy to study ancient and renaissance history and art.
April 11, 2025: The Shenendehowa Jazz Ensemble received awards for Outstanding Saxophone Section, Outstanding Trombone Section, and Outstanding Rhythm Section at the Regional Essentially Ellington Jazz Festival.
April 10, 2025: Shen staff cheer on their colleagues as their retirement is recognized by the board of education.
April 8, 2025: A huge congrats to our Shen Colorguard Team! The guard competed this past week at the World Championships. Starting with 55 units, making it to semis as part of a group of 36 and then finals with the top 15. They received the SILVER medal with a final score 95.4! Way to go!
April 4, 2025: Our winter student athletes were recognized by the board for all their hard work!
April 3, 2025: 8th grader Yuvi Singh came back to visit Mrs. Ricci’s Social Studies classes! He gave a presentation about the culture of India as the students were studying about the Indus Valley Civilization.
March 17, 2025: Congratulations to our Odyssey of the Mind teams (read more)!
February 3, 2025: Middle school students designed and built a city of the future that embodies a solution to an important sustainability issue.
January 24, 2025: Mrs. Sansone and Ms. Butera’s 4th graders learning about lacrosse from 2 Albany FireWolves lacrosse players this week.
January 24, 2025: Orenda Mindfulness Assembly with Tommie Burch
January 24, 2025: Gowana and Koda students were recognized by the Clifton Park Veterans of Foreign War Post #1498 for their winning entries in the regional Patriots’ Pen Essay Contest!
January 24, 2025: Gowana 6th graders learn about Ancient Egypt in the Gowana Library!
January 24, 2025: 7th graders enjoy reading at the Gowana Library.
January 17, 2025: Animator, Hsiang Chin Moe, met with the High School Animation classes to speak about being an animator!
December 23, 2024: Koda Support Staff Spirit Week
December 20, 2024: Students in Mrs. Cornell’s class prepare and present care packages to our local police agencies.
December 20, 2024: Skano second graders perform “Paint the Town December” for their Skano classmates. The play highlights many of the holidays that are celebrated in December.
December 20, 2024: FBLA and DECA organized a toy drive for The Melodies Center at Albany Medical Center. Toys were collected from FBLA and DECA members, business students, and the girls basketball team. Thank you to everyone that donated a toy!
December 13, 2024: Members of the High School West Orchestra shared their time and talents with residents of the Summit at Halfmoon. The students performed a selection of holiday tunes and seasonal favorites.
December 13, 2024: Gowana Student Council collected toys for Toys for Tots and money for Gowana Givers to support Gowana families in need. This picture was taken after a successful campaign. They collected 39 toys and $139 from students.
December 13, 2024: The Special Olympics invited our Middle School Unified PE students to participate in an activity of reaching out to people that they were thankful for in the area of inclusion.
December 13, 2024: Okte students transformed themselves into circus performers. Students at Okte learned circus skills in their PE class. Fifth graders opted to specialize in platespinning, balancing, stilt walking, or other skills. The 5th graders then put on a show for their school community.
December 13, 2024: Mary Beth Tinker, one of the plaintiffs in the significant Supreme Court case on freedom of speech rights in schools, met remotely with students in Ms. Deming-McNabb’s Global 9 Accelerated classes. Students had re-enacted the Supreme Court case and written letters to Ms.Tinker.
December 13, 2024: 150 students from High School West’s orchestra, bands and choirs performed for their Winter Concert! The students all did an incredible job!
December 13, 2024: The FLL Robotics Qualifier went great! Both of Shen’s middle school teams were recognized for special awards AND qualified to advance to the Championship tournament at RPI.
December 13, 2024: Mrs. Lavarge’s students from our new Criminal Justice class visited Judge D’Agostino’s U.S. Federal Northern District Court this week. They saw a reenactment of a sentencing hearing, met attorneys and probation officers.
December 13, 2024: TEAM 20 was awarded one of the 2024 grants from the GLOBALFOUNDRIES / Town of Malta Foundation for $ 10,000 to purchase equipment and materials for the growing number of students who participate in FIRST robotics.
December 12, 2024: Tech 6 students creating their dream bedroom using Tinkercad!
December 12, 2024: 7th Grade Gowana Students attended The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical at The Theatre Institute and lunch in the dining hall at Russell Sage College.
December 10, 2024: Gowana students enjoy the Gowana PTA Holiday Shop.
December 6, 2024: Mrs. Wheeler’s 1st Graders learn their addition doubles fact by singing the Doubles Rap!
December 6, 2024: Fueling connections one cup and cookie at a time! The BESD program at Gowana Middle School’s Coffee Cart spreads joy and smiles across the school with some help from Gowana students
December 6, 2024: Skano second graders enjoy learning about robotic coding in their after school Ozobot Club.
December 4, 2024: Tesago’s 4th and 5th Grade Chorus was selected to contribute 3 songs to WMHT’s production of this year’s Music For The Holidays! Click to learn how you can listen to their performance!
December 3, 2024: Over 20 Shen high school students participated in the NYSSMA (New York State School Music Association) Zone 7 Area All-State festival November 8 & 9 at Proctor’s Theatre in Schenectady. Area All-State is an annual honors festival that consists of rehearsals and a performance of approximately 350 high school student musicians from 40 school districts in the Capital Region.
December 3, 2024: Shen Hockey!
December 3, 2024: Shen Varsity Basketball
December 2, 2024: Shen Middle School health education teachers attended the NYS APHERD conference—a fantastic opportunity to represent Shen while continuing their professional growth!
December 2, 2024: At Shatekon, Mrs. Bailey’s Functional Skills Development students planned, hosted and enjoyed a Friendsgiving feast with 3rd grade students in Mrs. Anderton and Mrs. Patrie’s class.
November 27, 2024: Koda Middle School Q1 Top Dog Award Recipients in recognition of their hard work, dedication, and outstanding achievements throughout the first quarter (click to read more.).
November 25, 2024: Orenda Foster to Friends Assembly
November 22, 2024: Our high school robotics team hosted a Shen Middle School FLL rumble. Eight teams competed, three of which were teams visiting from other schools. Congratulations to all the teams that competed (click to read more)..
November 22, 2024: Third graders at Shatekon dove into the fascinating world of neuroscience (click to read more!)
November 22, 2024: The Class of 2028 organized a “Stuff the Turkey” Thanksgiving food drive at HS West. Parents, students, and faculty contributed to the drive. The HS West Global and Math department sponsored 2 baskets. Six Thanksgiving baskets with a $50 gift card to purchase a turkey will be donated to CAPTAIN Community Services. Great job HS West!
November 22, 2024: Acadia monitor Amy Farrigan MADE this gorgeous Chess/Checkers table and generously gifted it to the Acadia Library! Students are already enjoying it!
November 22, 2024: Our CEIP interns created wreaths to be donated to the community.
November 22, 2024: Students in the High School Housing and Interior Design Class are proud of their stained glass project!
November 22, 2024: Students in Mr. Mink’s Technology class are working on creating their own cell phone charging stations. Students are using the bandsaw, drill press and laser engravers.
November 22, 2024: The Food Services staff at Okte are ready for Thanksgiving!
November 20, 2024: In Randy Symonds Middle School Technology class students were learning about the “center of mass,” and had a hands on experience while learning.
November 19, 2024: Orenda Jared Campbell Assembly- Mrs. Rezny’s second grade class
November 15, 2024: Emma and Mrs. Youngmann working on math on whiteboard-topped desks awarded with the Shen Future Ready Grant program.
November 15, 2024: The Chango K-1 ISD classroom (Mrs. High’s) made sensory bottles with Mr. Szeli’s 2nd grade classroom!
November 15, 2024: Mr. Pace kisses a pig to raise money for the Tesago PTA!
November 15, 2024: Tesago Monster Mash!
November 15, 2024: Koda 8th Graders on election day going to the polls in a mock election!
November 15, 2024: Award-winning children’s book author Maria Dismondy visited Karigon for a “Together We Can Do It!” school-wide assembly. She emphasized kindness and the practice of filling buckets as well as reading her book “Buddy the Bucket Filler.”
November 15, 2024: Karigon 1st graders in Mrs. Lagowski’s class celebrated Dwarfism Awareness Day by wearing green and celebrating all of the things that make us unique!
November 15, 2024: Congratulations to Allison (Class of ’27) who is one of the winners in her age group for the University of Oxford Faculty of Classics Graphic Novel Competition 2024.
November 15, 2024: Orenda continued their Try-it Tuesday initiative and all the students tried snap peas. For some it was their first time trying it and for others they were well seasoned in snap peas!
November 15, 2024: Shen High School honored Veterans at an assembly!
November 15, 2024: Flashlight Friday in the Gowana Library!
November 15, 2024: Karigon celebrated Veterans Day with a ceremony highlighting heroes within our Karigon family. Students greeted Veterans as they entered school, and then we had a small reception for Veterans and their students in the lobby. We are thankful for their service to our nation!
November 15, 2024: Skano students honor Veterans at their annual Veterans Day assembly.
November 15, 2024: Orenda First Grade celebrated the 50th day of school!
November 15, 2024: Shen Boys Varsity Swimming and Diving team had a tremendous fundraiser with Olympic Gold Medalist Cullen Jones.
November 15, 2024: Shatekon celebrated Veteran’s Day!
November 15, 2024: Rich Akullian from Akullian Creative visited the HS Animation classes—a new course introduced this year—to share his experiences in the animation industry.
November 5, 2024: Shatekon FSD students go apple picking!
October 31, 2024: Skano families and staff enjoy trick or treating and festivities at PTA’s evening Spooktacular event.
October 31, 2024: Skano students parade through the building to see decorated potatoes and pumpkins brought in by the Skano students.
October 31, 2024: Gowana students have fun dressing up for Halloween.
October 30, 2024: Congrats National Honor Society Inductees!
October 25, 2024: Both our Shen Boys and Girls Varsity staff were recognized as the Coaching Staff of the Year at the inaugural Capital Region Aquatics Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
October 25, 2024: Students in Coll. Digital Electronics are learning to solder in class.
October 25, 2024: 4th Grade Fire Prevention Poster winners
October 25, 2024: The Shen Transportation safety team went to Skano with Buster the Bus to chat about school bus safety!
October 25, 2024: Karigon Dad Chief Greenberg, teaches Mrs. Lagowski’s first graders at Karigon about riding in an ambulance, who to call in an emergency and what to expect when help arrives.
October 25, 2024: Students in Ms. St. John’s 6th grade social studies classes analyzed Paleolithic cave art and created their own prehistoric drawings. They worked as anthropologists to create a story about each drawing.
October 25, 2024: Karigon Y-Time students used their creativity to make this beautiful handprint wreath for Principal Jones.
October 25, 2024: After completing a unit on the characteristics of different genres and how to identify them, students in Mrs. Potter’s Grade 6-2 Reading classes participated in a “Starbooks” Book Tasting. Students moved from station to station to “taste”, “sip”, and “read” from several different genres.
October 25, 2024: Mrs. Shutts and Mrs. Leuzinger’s ISD classes had a great time exploring the Vischer Ferry Fire Department truck during their visit to Okte. Firefighters from Clifton Park, Halfmoon, Jonesville, Vischer Ferry, and West Crescent Volunteer Fire Companies came to Okte during National Fire Prevention Week and taught important lessons on fire prevention and safety!
October 22, 2024: Girls Varsity Volleyball captures their 5th consecutive Tournament Championship as they defeated John Jay in the Millbrook Tournament.
October 22, 2024: The SEED Coalition worked with Fatima, an expert, on getting a Tower Garden up and running here at the High School. “Daisy” lives in HS East, where she will serve as an instructional resource for Environmental Science and AP Environmental Science. She will be managed through the SEED Coalition and student clubs, like Science Honor Society, Garden Club, and Environmental Club. Bounty from this program will be used to provide fresh vegetables in our own cafeteria.
October 21, 2024: Skano students invited their teachers to attend Adirondack Tae Kwon Do’s anti-bullying night. At the end of the night, all teachers successfully broke boards.
October 21, 2024: Mr. Symond’s classes observed Mr. Verhagen’s construction classes and got to tour the new home the class is building. From here, Mr. Symond’s class will be constructing a scale model house just like the one at the High School. The students are having a blast!
October 21, 2024: Mrs. Trotta’s first graders have been learning about Hispanic/Latino Heritage Month in music class. We learned that Hispanic Heritage month is a time dedicated to celebrating the accomplishments and traditions of those from a Spanish speaking culture. To celebrate the musical traditions of Hispanic cultures, Mrs. Trotta’s class learned and performed a traditional Mexican folk dance to the song “La Raspa.”
October 17, 2024: Sixth graders in Mrs. Schloth’s social studies class studied Paleolithic Cave Art. They created modern representations and worked as anthropologists to analyze their peer’s paintings.
October 16, 2024: Koda 7th grade students take a field trip to Liberty Ridge Farm.
October 16, 2024: 53 Okte students tracked their reading in summer 2024 and read over 1000 minutes. These students were recognized at a school-wide assembly.
October 16, 2024: Mrs. Rupert and Tessie are twinning by wearing their favorite sports team for Arongen’s Spirit Day.
October 16, 2024: Students in 8th grade Technology had a unique opportunity for their first project. Each 8th grade technology student sanded wood blanks and LASER cut a personal ruler to use throughout the year. Pictured here are some of the students designing, engraving, and using their rulers.
October 16, 2024: Ms. Gerstenberger’s first mystery reader at Tesago was really mysterious!
October 15, 2024: Skano fourth graders create roller coasters to experiment with distance and height.
October 15, 2024: Skano 2nd graders take a field trip to Ellms Farm.
October 15, 2024: Both Varsity and JV Girls Volleyball won the Championship of their home Tournament!
October 15, 2024: Congrats to Charlotte Kennedy, her story, “Dog” was picked by Tammy Robinson, Managing Editor of Skribbler’s Magazine to be read at 7th annual Albany Book Festival. Charlotte entered her story as part of a fourth-grade unit on poetry taught in the library during the 2023-2024 school year.
October 15, 2024: Students in Mrs. Symonds’ 1st Grade Class at Arongen Elementary learned about fire safety from our local fire department.
October 15, 2024: Orenda Personal Space Hula Hoop Contest Finalists!
September 30, 2024: Mrs. Clermont’s tribuilding Accelerated Art celebrated finishing their first assignment (Folder Design) with a class critique outside. The students all presented their work on benches in the morning sunlight. We had a nice walkabout where we viewed each other’s work and shared positive comments to each other using our art vocabulary
September 27, 2024: Come test Drive a bus with Shen – October 22, 10 am – 12pm!
September 27, 2024: Ms St. John’s class learned about archaeology as they excavated chocolate chip cookies in order to find artifacts (chocolate chips)! They learned how careful and detailed they need to be in order to preserve the artifacts.
September 13, 2024: Students are thrilled to return to the Arongen Library and discover brand-new furniture, transforming the space into a flexible and inviting environment. This exciting update was made possible thanks to the Future Ready Grant, creating a more engaging and memorable library experience for everyone.
September 13, 2024: Our girls Varsity Volleyball team traveled out to Penfield to compete against some of the top teams in the State and finished as Tournament Champions!
September 13, 2024: Second graders at Okte received monarch butterfly larvae from Cornell Cooperative Extension. In this photo students are getting their first look at one of the teeny tiny caterpillars eating milkweed.
September 10, 2024: Skano students are excited to be back for another amazing school year!
September 5, 2024: Shen Highschoolers make their way inside to start their first day of the 2024-25 School Year!
September 5, 2024: Orenda students enjoy their first day of school!
September 5, 2024: Karigon students celebrate the first day of school!
September 5, 2024: Gowana welcomes students on their first day!
September 5, 2024: Shatekon had a great First Day of School!
July 5, 2024: The Tesago 4th and 5th Grade Chorus and Select Chorus both received SUPERIOR ratings at the High Note Music Festival in June.
June 12, 2024: Gowana Seniors return to Gowana to share their wisdom with 8th graders.
June 7, 2024: Shatekon is excited to share a recent project completed by our elementary students in collaboration with the school counselor and teachers highlighting Mental Health Awareness.
June 7, 2024: Acadia’s Mentor Program took part in a Mini-Golf outing
June 7, 2024: Skano second grade classes (Mrs. Deguire and Mrs. O’Brien) put on the play “How Does Your Garden Grow?” The entire Skano community really enjoyed the show!
June 7, 2024: Gowana Team 6-2 had a blast at the 2nd Annual Greek Olympics! Congratulations to Athens for winning the Gold!
June 7, 2024: 3 Sophomores attended the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Foundation (HOBY) and represented Shen to over 100 schools in New York East.
June 7, 2024: Koda Team 6-1 students enjoying a Mythology Wax Museum.
June 7, 2024: Tesago Yearbook committee members show off their work! Thanks to Mrs. Schwab and Mrs. Lawrence for all their organization.
June 7, 2024: Former Tesago alumnus and aspiring dentist, Michael Marincic, came to first grade to speak to the students about dental health.
May 29, 2024: Students from Mr. Hanley’s Ap Computer Science classes had a google meet with game development professor Bill Crosbie from Raritan Community College and Rutgers University. Bill shared his experiences from teaching game development for the last 18 years and students got to ask him questions about the field.
May 21, 2024: Mr. Pace gets slimed at Tesago’s Spring Carnival by auction winner Karli!
May 21, 2024: Students enrolled in Masterpieces of Drama and Musical Theatre English class, seniors in the Aspire program, and members of the High School Musical Company went to see Moulin Rouge on Broadway.
May 21, 2024: Shen High School’s choral ensemble Bella Voce traveled to Bristol, Connecticut to perform for an adjudication. The students received the highest rating, “Superior”, and spent the day celebrating at Lake Compounce Amusement Park.
May 21, 2024: First and third grade reading buddies enjoy books and time together decorating the entrance with welcoming messages.
May 21, 2024: Flashlight Friday @ the Gowana Library!
May 21, 2024: Click to read about all who are honored!
May 21, 2024: Four 8th grade students from each of the three middle schools were recognized for their leadership at the School Administrators Association of NYS (SAANYS) Region 6 Student Leadership Breakfast at The Vistas at VanPatten Golf Course in Clinton Park.
May 21, 2024: Peter H. Reynolds visited Skano &Tesago for a Create Bravely Family Night. This was the first stop on his district-supported visit for elementary students. He reminded everyone that creativity fuels everything!
May 20, 2024: Shen partnered with CAPTAIN Community Human Services (CHS) CAPteens program and and Saratoga County STOP DWI to be a part of UNITE’s Arrive Alive Tour.
May 20, 2024: HSE hosted the Underclassman Awards for 10th and 11th graders. Dedicated students were awarded a variety of academic, leadership, community service, and effort-based awards.
May 20, 2024: For the 23rd year, 38 Shenendehowa graphic design students attended a billboard unveiling in partnership with LAMAR Advertising to reveal the winner of the anti-impaired driving campaign. Congratulations, Amber Dumire, for creating the winning (and impactful) design!
May 16, 2024: Tesago’s STEM Club tested their roller coaster designs and construction with advisor Mrs. Alheim.
May 16, 2024: Congratulations to the 8th grade Latin students who won an award for placing on the National Latin Exam. The National Latin Exam is a short test that is given annually to Latin students around the world. Thirty seven 8th grade Latin students won awards based on their scores on the test.
May 16, 2024: The Shenendehowa Latin teachers led a group of 40 Latin students on an 8-day trip throughout Greece. Students visited archaeological sites, modern sites, and museums!
May 15, 2024: Shen will be hosting the first (and potentially third) game of the best of three Class AAA Baseball Semi-Finals on Friday, May 17th! Our opponent will be either Colonie or CBA (click to read about purchasing tickets).
May 10, 2024: Koda 8th grader, Ava Guilmette, won 1st place (her sixth national title) and is the Women’s U15 National Wrestling Champion! Ava will represent USA at the Pan-Am Championships in El Salvador in June!
May 10, 2024: Shen has played an active role supporting Two Towns-One Book since its inception. Dr. Robinson and his team took second place in the Lessons in Chemistry Brownie Bake-off!
May 10, 2024: Congratulations! This year’s high school musical, Anything Goes, was nominated by Proctors Theater in four categories for the 2024 High School Musical Theatre Awards. The production was nominated for Best Ensemble, Best Choreography, Best Pit Orchestra, and Best Musical.
May 10, 2024: Katie Fittipaldi, an Alexander Technique instructor at the Eastman School of Music, visited all four Shen high school orchestras. Katie worked with the students on incorporating awareness, balance, relaxation and imagination into their playing.
May 10, 2024: The Gowana NJHS hosted the “Gowana Olympic Games.”
May 10, 2024: Congratulations to the pictured eight students for being Awarded the PE Student Leadership Awards for Chango Elementary
May 10, 2024: Students in Mrs. Hoobler’s EDK class visited the baby chicks in Mrs. Hubbard’s 2nd grade class at Shatekon.
May 10, 2024: 8th grade tech students from Gowana and Koda were treated to a presentation by Tori Rodriguez, a local welder, sculptor from the Albany area.
May 10, 2024: Mrs. L’Amoureux’s first grade class proudly displays their Animal Habitat projects at Karigon
May 10, 2024: The middle school FLL Robot Rumble was held at HSW. Six of our middle school teams competed in robot performance and FRC Crescendo field models. The results for robot performance include File Not Found placing 1st, Data Deleted 2nd, and the CaptiBytes 3rd.
May 10, 2024: The Business Department held their annual “Shen Speaker Days” event. They hosted 15 dynamic guest speakers from the Capital Region.
May 3, 2024: Through dedicated volunteerism and fundraising, UNICEF club members raised over $1300 for UNICEF USA. These funds will support children in need around the globe.
May 3, 2024: Karigon Celebrates May 4th – May the 4th Be With You!
May 3, 2024: The High School Partnership Team (HSPT) planned and coordinated a Week of Giving in April. The week was a great success! Throughout the week we saw students, faculty, staff, administration, parents, and community members come together to give back in a host of different ways!
April 30, 2024: Karigon second graders enjoyed a moon themed performance with music teacher Maria Barkley
April 30, 2024: Students from the technology department participated in the 36th annual programming contest on Friday, April 12th at Siena College.
April 30, 2024: Chango celebrated our neurodiverse learners this past month and “Minds of All Kinds”. Each student colored in their brain to match their strengths and interests to celebrate our diverse learning styles here at Chango.
April 30, 2024: Orenda 4th grade teachers kick off the next Wit & Wisdom unit of study based on the American revolution in style, and implement taxes on the Patriots and Loyalist.
April 29, 2024: HSE hosted a Job fair for the students.
April 29, 2024: Tri-building Middle School students in Mrs. Clermont’s Accelerated Art Class design and create a dragon head for display in the Gowana Library.
April 29, 2024: Students Celebrated at the Hollywood Dance at Koda Middle School
April 29, 2024: Award winning author, Steve Sheinkin visited the Middle Schools
April 29, 2024: Some NJHS students represented Koda and volunteered at the Regional Food Bank.
April 17, 2024: The Arongen Kindness Club consisting of 4th and 5th graders cheered on the 3rd graders during school arrival for their first ever NYS Test!
April 15, 2024: The Chango Cheetah’s new drama club was directed by Chango graduate Molly Hurley to produce a rousing song from MATILDA.
April 12, 2024: Arongen Elementary recently celebrated their third annual Cultural Awareness Celebration. The Arongen Student Council plans, promotes, and organizes the materials to encourage all classrooms to participate in celebrating their diverse student body.
April 12, 2024: Mrs. Russell’s first graders researched and then wrote All About Macaw books.
April 12, 2024: Four seniors from the National Art Honor Society painted a cedar tree on a large canvas for the Student Center (click to read more).
March 28, 2024: So proud to showcase our diverse Shatekon community as we celebrated our 4th Annual Heritage Week!
March 27, 2024: Shen Physical Education teachers had the privilege of teaching at a P.E. Conference for the local Capital Zone NYS AHPERD conference.
March 25, 2024: Athletes and Coaches from the Special Olympics Bronze Medal FloorBall team visited our Middle School Unified PE class.
March 22, 2024: Will it fit? Rock Travis’ grade 8, tri-building DDE class helped out with Nicole Saville’s and Tara Fear’s Future Ready Furniture Grant. The students were given room and furniture dimensions and used Autodesk Fusion 360, Google Docs and the laser engraver to create “to scale models” of the classrooms.
March 22, 2024: Mr. Szeli’s 2nd graders at Chango were able to join a google meet with one of their classmates who was traveling with their family in South Africa. While asking them questions, they were even able to see elephants in the background!
March 18, 2024: Acadia FSD staff and students with the winning “Leprechaun” from an Acadia staff team-building activity
March 18, 2024: Congrats to the 3 winning teams from the Acadia Dodgeball tournament!
March 15, 2024: Skano’s ECHO (Everyone Can Help Others) Club members cleaned up trash around Skano and Tesago.
March 15, 2024: 4th Graders observed artifacts and referenced 17th century paintings at the Skano Library Dutch Museum to learn more about Fort Orange.
March 15, 2024: Acadia students had fun at their Dodgeball Tournament. Thank you to all the staff and students that participated and to all the families that came to cheer everyone on!
March 11, 2024: Team 20, the Shenendehowa Robotics Team competed this weekend at the Hudson Valley FIRST Regional Robotics Competition. There were 48 teams mostly from Long Island and the Greater NYC area. There were a few teams from the Capital Region, one team from Turkey, and one team from the American International School in London.
March 11, 2024: Students from across the community participated in the Battle of the Books which is sponsored by the Shen Librarians and the Friends of the Library. The Golden Emerald Tigers from the CP-HPL reigned victorious!
March 8, 2024: Shatekon third graders in Mrs. Allen’s class had visitors from the HVCC dental department showing them how important flossing and brushing is!
March 8, 2024: Shen’s Health Education Teachers present on community circles…(click to read)
March 8, 2024: The Arongen Kindness and Compassion Club collected over 7,000 snacks during their “100 Day of School Snack Challenge”. These snacks will go to the Arongen Backpack program!
March 8, 2024: Koda NJHS members were at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery picking up Wreaths as part of Wreaths Across America – it was an honor for the kids to be part of this wonderful program!
March 8, 2024: Every Friday, Arongen celebratea Arongen Pride with different themed days. Mrs. Bernard’s students used an 80s theme!
March 8, 2024: Congratulations to the Orenda Odyssey of the Mind team that came in first place at the 2024 Regional Tournament! The team succeeded at creatively solving a very challenging problem that impressed the judges and entertained the audience.
March 7, 2024: The Gowana Library and the Art Department teamed up to celebrate the Year of the Dragon through art. Students created dragons, which are the most popular mythological creatures in literature, to be hung in the Gowana Library.
March 7, 2024: Mrs. L’Amoureux class at Karigon participated in National Breakfast Week with a Bagel Breakfast and a special Lunch Lady Book, “Lunch Ladies-Changing Lives: It’s Crunch Time”
March 7, 2024: Shatekon Student Council cereal drive was a huge success!
March 7, 2024: Gowana students enjoy the new future ready flexible furniture and redesigned library space.
March 1, 2024: Skano third graders enjoy reading to Kasie, one of Skano’s therapy dogs.
March 1, 2024: Congratulations to the Shen colorguard Varsity and JV teams who traveled to a regional competition in Salem, MA and placed 1st in their respective divisions.
March 1, 2024: Skano’s ECHO Service Club members were excited to collect over 30 boxes of food for the Helping Hands Food Pantry and Shen’s Backpack Program!
March 1, 2024: Mrs. Shanahan’s Koda English 6 students engaged in a fishbowl discussion.
March 1, 2024: Families from Orenda and Karigon celebrated the diverse cultural background in our schools with food, table displays, traditional clothes and dancing at our Third Annual Multicultural Potluck Dinner.
March 1, 2024: Acadia Pack Leaders are students who are role models for their peers and are a positive force in the school environment. Students were presented with a certificate and also received a lunch provided by an outside restaurant. These are the Acadia recipients for quarter 2.
March 1, 2024: Students at HSE had unique, cultural experience by attending a performance by Saakumu Dance Troupe! Based out of Medie, Ghana, the troupe is dedicated to introducing audiences to traditional and contemporary West African dance and music.
March 1, 2024: Chango’s student body recently raised an incredible $11,500 for Ronald McDonald House Charities by participating in a readathon.
February 16, 2024: Arongen had magician Jim Snack as a celebration to mark the end of our PTA Partners in Reading program called “Unlock the Magic of Reading.”
February 16, 2024: The Shen High School Art Club has been working on a fundraiser for the Saratoga County Animal shelter called the “Poorly Drawn Pet Portraits Project.” Fundraiser is open until March 1(click for more).
February 16, 2024: The members of Karigon Crush (Ben, Max, Santino & Dante) entertained the 3rd graders during lunch with their rendition of “Seven Nation Army” by the White Stripes. They put so much practice into this performance and it was incredible!
February 16, 2024: Each of the 12 PTA units that comprise the Shenendehowa PTA Council celebrate Founders’ Day by recognizing the work of our amazing volunteers. Congratulations to the 2024 Founders Day Honorees (click to read on).
February 16, 2024: Ms St John’s students used VR headsets to see what life was like in ancient Egypt. They viewed the Valley of the Kings, pyramids of Giza, Hatshepsut’s temples , the Nile River and more!
February 16, 2024: Our Girls Varsity Nordic Team won their second consecutive Section 2 Title. Raquelle Landa won her second consecutive Section 2 Girls Nordic Skiing Individual Championship.
February 16, 2024: Okte and Chango students visited Arongen to visit with “Bad Kitty” author and Illustrator, Nick Bruel. Thanks to Northshire Books and the Shen Librarians for setting up the special visit.
February 16, 2024: Congratulations to the Shen Alpine girls’ team who won sectionals for the third year in a row. They will be defending their State’s Championship title at Whiteface! Good luck Girls!
February 16, 2024: Mrs. Clermont’s Tri-building 6th grade artists from 1st semester have moved on from her class but left a legacy through their art. The students drew their names and words to one point perspective!
February 15, 2024: Mrs Hou’s Chinese Club and Chinese classes learned about Chinese New Year. They made dumplings from scratch.
February 15, 2024: Chango 1st graders celebrate 100 days of school
February 15, 2024: Chango 2nd graders celebrate their first “Valentine’s Day” breakfast
February 15, 2024: Okte’s 4th grade played the Hudson River Trading Game. Pairs of students sailed a model sloop up and down the Hudson River game board. Historic Cherry Hill Museum in Albany provided all the learning materials and helped to guide the students through their learning journey.
February 13, 2024: A declaration supported by the district for LOVE THE BUS MONTH! Please take a moment to read. We are so grateful to our Transportation Team and all they do to support children’s education (click to read more)!.
February 13, 2024: Mrs. L’Amoureux’s Karigon 1st grade class learns about Korean Lunar New Year from Mrs. Kim and Seungha.
February 13, 2024: Shen Middle Schooler teams competed in the FLL Championship tournament at RPI with two of our teams selected to advance to National tournaments in the spring (click for more)!
February 9, 2024: Students from Mr. D’Ambro’s 3rd grade class participated in STEM activities with QUEST teacher Mrs. McElhinney.
February 9, 2024: After reading Ada Twist, Scientist, Skano’s second grade book clubbers practiced problem-solving and having a growth mindset with Mrs. Kirby-LeMon.
February 9, 2024: Karigon first graders performed their first concert last night with music teacher, Miss Hale.
February 7, 2024: Shen middle school students competed in the Regional Mathcounts Competition at the GE Research Center in Niskayuna.
February 7, 2024: 5th Graders from Arongen were featured in the Fall 2023 edition of Skribblers Magazine.
February 5, 2024: Ms. Rezny’s 2nd grade class participated in STEAM activities to coincide with Groundhog’s day!
February 2, 2024: Karigon’s 5th Grade enjoyed a tasty literacy journey at the Karigon Book Tasting event. They made connections while sampling food and reading snippets from their current book, The Phantom Tollbooth.
February 1, 2024: Mrs. Lagowski’s 1st grade class at Karigon learns about puffins and really “dug” finding a burrow for their birds.
February 1, 2024: Math 7H(6) students learn how to convert between fractions, decimals, and percentages.
January 31, 2024: 27 elementary teams participated in our 3rd annual FLL Explore Festival.
January 31, 2024: Shen and Saratoga Jazz Ensemble students performed at the NYSUT Legislative Reception.
January 31, 2024: Karigon students in Mrs. Giso’s third grade class are learning about patterns in motion.
January 29, 2024: Coburg Village residents enjoyed a performance by members of the Karigon Chorus.
January 29, 2024: Ms. Gerstenberger’s Class at Tesago enjoying recess in the snow!
January 29, 2024: Okte had 8 teams in the Final Lego League Festival
January 24, 2024: Sixth graders at Koda dig for fossil evidence.
January 17, 2024: Students cheer on Shen basketball!
January 17, 2024: The Shen Alpine ski team hosted the 2nd Annual Brandon Sherwood Memorial Race at Gore Mountain. Congratulations to the girls’ team who took 1st place.
January 17, 2024: One of our middle school FLL teams, “Data Deleted,” competed at the FLL Qualifier tournament. Data Deleted won first place in Robot Performance AND won overall champion!.
January 12, 2024: Mrs. Anderton’s third graders shared their knowledge of the sea with Mrs. Russell’s first grade class at Shatekon.
January 12, 2024: Orenda students read the book “Build a Log Cabin” (Geodes) and ended the week building with Lincoln Logs!
January 11, 2024: Mr. D’Ambro’s Class at Okte paid a visit to the Via Aquarium. Reminded us so much about our reading work with our new Wit and Wisdom reading series.
January 11, 2024: 6th grade students writing in cuneiform on clay tablets to support a unit on Mesopotamia.
January 5, 2024: Always some sunshine after the rain!
January 5, 2024: Shatekon 2nd graders enjoy indoor recess.
January 5, 2024: The business clubs, FBLA and DECA, and the entire business department at HSE organized a toy drive for The Melodies Center at Albany Med. Thank you to all who donated.
January 5, 2024: The 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders from Karigon came together to “adopt” several Shen families to brighten up their holidays. The children brought in monetary donations, the teachers purchased the items, and the students excitedly wrapped them!
January 5, 2024: Skano teams worked hard and performed well in the first round of the Battle of the Books.
December 27, 2023: Girls Varsity Basketball huddles during a game against Colonie.
December 27, 2023: Jim Verhagens construction class had a visit from Witt construction in Saratoga NY. They talked about careers, job outlook and what they look for in employees. Later the students took them outside and showed them their house they are building
December 27, 2023: 1st grade classrooms at Karigon learned about Holidays Around the World and had a fabulous time!
December 27, 2023: Koda 7th Grader, Ratnottama is one of the NASA 2024 Calendar Contest winners. Her artwork will be printed in NASA’s 2024 Calendar.
December 27, 2023: Members from Clifton Park State Troopers and Shen’s SRO came to pick up bags that were made as part of Shatekon’s FSD Service project. They made bags with snacks to thank all the officers for their hard work!
December 27, 2023: The conductor calls “All Aboard!” as Chango First Graders present their tickets to ride the Polar Express!
December 27, 2023: Students in Mr. Schmit’s 9th Gr. Spanish class work in stations to explore holiday related vocabulary while using the new future-ready furniture.
December 23, 2023: PM EDK and Mr. Shain’s 5th grade at Shatekon worked together to build gingerbread houses after reading a book about a special gingerbread house!
December 20, 2023: Jazz bands from Gowana and Acadia Middle Schools played music together.
December 13, 2023: These are the Class of 2027 (Freshmen) Shen PRIDE Students of the Month – Oct-Dec (read more!)
December 11, 2023: Kayla Xu, Koda 6th grader, performed in the Northeast Ballet’s Annual Performance of The Nutcracker Ballet at Proctor’s Theatre in the role of Clara.
December 11, 2023: Amazing Holiday Tri-building 6th and 7th grade chorale concerts.
December 11, 2023: There’s a new club at Gowana this year that students named the Animal Importance Club (learn more).
December 11, 2023: Students in Mr. Antonacci’s General Music 7 classes learn about music and sound in film.
December 11, 2023: Shen teams performed incredibly at the Hudson Valley Youth Robotics Shenedehowa FIRST Lego League Challenge qualifier (read more!).
December 11, 2023: Master Eugene from Risen TaeKwonDo came to Karigon this week and taught some Tae Kwon Do moves to our physical education classes. Mrs. Jewett’s Kindergarten class had a kick practicing their skills!
December 6, 2023: Mr. Soldani and some of Karigon’s 5th Grade students delighted the main office staff with their beautiful rendition of “Jingle Bells.” What a wonderful treat!
December 6, 2023: Mrs. Rupert’s kindergarten class and Mr. Hubert’s 5th grade class get together and share books with one another- they call it Book Buddies.
December 6, 2023: Congratulations to Gowana’s 1st Quarter Plainsmen Pride Winners.
December 6, 2023: Shatekon 5th grade students “teach the bow” to the 4th grade orchestra students.
December 5, 2023: Boys Varsity Basketball
December 5, 2023: The Arongen Kindness and Compassion Club Session 1 honored their office staff by delivering cookies and a handwritten note to show their gratitude for all their hard work and support!
December 5, 2023: Chango 5th graders made chemical and physical changes!
December 5, 2023: The Shen Treble Choir opened for the Rockettes Show at Radio City Music Hall!
December 5, 2023: Shatekon 2nd graders in Mrs. Pembrook’s class show their appreciation to Mr. Rick, our custodian, with a dress-up day!
November 21, 2023: Shatekon 2nd graders in Mrs. Hubbard’s class made Thanksgiving placemats that described everything that they were thankful for.
November 21, 2023: Acadia 7th grade students in Ms. Bouchard’s FACS classes used their sewing machine skills to make a positive impact in local organizations and nonprofits.
November 21, 2023: The students of Orenda were given the opportunity to name our new mascot! The eagle now has a name and home – Please welcome – Sunny the Orenda Eagle!
November 21, 2023: Seven business students attended The Ultimate DECA Power Trip in Austin, TX.
November 20, 2023: High School fall National letter of intent day!
November 17, 2023: Karigon held its first Best Buddies event of the 2023-24 school year.
November 17, 2023: Students in Ms. Delaney’s fourth grade class and Mrs. Deguire’s second grade class learn about the celebrations during Diwali from Mr. and Mrs. Jhaveri.
November 17, 2023: Arongen 1st Graders took a Field Trip to Via Aquarium
November 17, 2023: Gowana students in Mrs. de la Rocha’s 6th grade English classes made unique poetry using a daily word play challenge created by the website Poem Renovation!
November 16, 2023: The Class of 2027 organized a “Stuff the Turkey” Thanksgiving food drive at HS West.
November 13, 2023: Students from College in the HS Spanish class with Mrs. Clarkin learn about El Flamenco: history, styles, and influences in other contemporary musical styles
November 9, 2023: Karigon Elementary enjoyed the acrobatics of Li Liu for our most recent “Together We Can Do It!” assembly.
November 9, 2023: Karigon celebrated Veterans Day by inviting student’s Veterans to a small ceremony
November 9, 2023: Mrs. Pembrook’s class learned about pollination.
November 9, 2023: Mrs. Grew’s Spanish Classes danced on stage along with Miami’s Hispanic Flamenco Ballet and enjoyed a great lunch buffet at Sabor Azteca!
November 9, 2023: Before the snow flies please enjoy the beauty of these fall creations by Mrs. Clemont’s tri-building 6th grade Artists! Students were very proud of their paintings, collages and drawings. Displays warmed up the hallways and celebrated their achievements
November 9, 2023: Students in Mr. Treacy and Mrs. Patrie’s class complete a fun science investigation.
November 6, 2023: 16 business students attended the FBLA Fall District Meeting at Bryant Stratton. Students had the opportunity to attend professional workshops and network with business students from other local schools.
November 5, 2023: Wall Raising Day with the High School Construction Technology Systems Class!
November 5, 2023: Shatekon’s first graders visited Arts & Glass for a fun and creative Fall painting experience!
November 5, 2023: Okte celebrated Veterans Day!
November 3, 2023: Halloween fun with Ms. Paupini’s Karigon class.
October 30, 2023: Skano first graders learn programming with hands-on robotics during a 4H presentation on Ozobots.
October 30, 2023: Students in College Digital Electronics practiced soldering skills.
October 30, 2023: Book buddies in Mrs. Connors’ third grade class and Mrs. Sansone’s first grade read books about spiders and worked together to complete a spider math craft.
October 23, 2023: Congrats to New York State English Council Creative Writing Award winners Freya Griffin and Chiho Kakita.
October 18, 2023: Karigon hosted their Peer Buddies Training for Best Buddies. The students are looking forward to their first event!
October 18, 2023: Skano students enjoy hearing a story from Mrs. Florio about how a positive mindset can spread happiness.
October 18, 2023: Skano Fifth Graders wear pink for October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
October 18, 2023: Shatekon students in Mrs. Preston’s ENL class use their new smartboard to draw Action Words while their classmates have to guess the action they are drawing
October 18, 2023: Mrs. Cornell’s Shatekon class took a trip to Bowman’s Orchard.
October 17, 2023: Okte third graders working on STEM projects.
October 17, 2023: Thanks to Northshire Bookstore, Angela DiTerlizzi, author of A Very Cranky Book, presented to Tesago and Skano Kindergarten and 1st graders about how she became a writer.
October 17, 2023: Superintendent Dr. Robinson and Deputy Superintendent Dr. Wilson-Turner visited Skano’s morning program!
October 16, 2023: Our Food Service Team celebrated National School Lunch Week!
October 16, 2023: Skano students were visited by local firefighters during fire prevention week
October 16, 2023: Koda 7th grade students in Mrs. Sophia Delamar’s Social Studies Classes engaged in a lesson on Indigenous People’s Day in the Acadia Library.
October 16, 2023: High School Aerospace Engineering classes took a field trip to the NYS Police Aviation Unit and the Air Traffic Control Tower at Albany Airport.
October 16, 2023: Maddy (a high school junior) works with a Sunmark Employee at the new high school branch
October 16, 2023: Arongen 3rd graders participate in a reading lesson!
October 16, 2023: Jim Snack not only explained how to do tricks, but also the importance of reading at Skano’s PARP Kick-off. Make reading part of your daily routine!
October 16, 2023: Arongen students learn about animals and habitats!
October 16, 2023: Students in Mrs. Tallman’s 9th grade orchestra class recently participated in an activity that worked on feeling a steady beat. The students listened to songs that were at different speeds and tossed bean bags to one another on the beat.
October 11, 2023: Orenda Personal Space Hula Hoop Contest Finalists and Winner!
October 5, 2023: Tesago celebrates its first BEST assembly of the year!
October 5, 2023: Brooke Trotta’s 1st grade class used their new classroom set of Chromebooks for the first time.
October 3, 2023: Social Studies students participated in a simulated archaeological dig in the Koda Courtyard.
October 3, 2023: Students were delighted to read positive messages that their families left on the Skano Open House grafitti wall.
October 3, 2023: District Office staff dressed up in their Shen gear to show support for homecoming!
October 3, 2023: Students at Arongen start off the school year getting into some great books at their library.
October 3, 2023: Ms. St. John’s 6th grade classes acted as archeologists to discover how they excavate to uncover mysteries about people who lived in the past.
October 3, 2023: UNICEF Club hosted a table at HSW’s Open House
October 3, 2023: 2023 Orenda PE Leadership Award Winners
October 3, 2023: Second graders in Mr. Johnson’s class practice their math skills with fun math stations.
October 3, 2023: Koda 8th grade students in English class take part in an escape room activity.
October 3, 2023: Students in the High School Housing and Interior Design class researched, designed, and built Fairy houses for their first project of the year.
September 28, 2023: Mrs. Sibson’s Acadia 8th grade math class combined like terms on the last beautiful day of summer!
September 28, 2023: Third graders in Mrs. Connors’ class perform STEM experiments with Mrs. Elhinney.
September 28, 2023: Ms. McCarthy’s Honors Class utilizes the new future ready furniture to have students work collaboratively.
September 28, 2023: Koda 6th graders took a field trip to Elms Family Farm!
September 28, 2023: Fourth graders in Mr. Farquharson’s class experiment with materials in science during their study of collision.
September 27, 2023: Mrs. Kern’s first grade class enjoyed some seasonal science. Using basic scientific methods, students measured, weighed, experimented and learned about apples.
September 27, 2023: Mr. Mars’ Computer Integrated Manufacturing class learns how to use a Vex automation system to program different motor movements.
September 27, 2023: Students enjoying the new gym equipment in the HSW Weight Room during Coach James Ward’s class.
September 22, 2023: Mr. Treacy and Mrs. Patrie’s class enjoyed time planting in their new garden.
September 20, 2023: Koda Principal, Mrs. Beckett watches students from Mr. Travis’ 8th grade tech class use laser engravers to develop their first project of the new year!
September 20, 2023: Skano celebrated Dot Day by reading Peter H. Reynolds’ book, The Dot, teaching students to make their mark and make it matter!
September 20, 2023: Superintendent, Dr. Robinson, and other members of the District Leadership Team celebrated a win with the Shen Field Hockey team!
September 19, 2023: Skano Kindergarten students jump right into learning using different tactile materials to practice their letters.
September 14, 2023: Gowana Middle School welcomes back students for the 23-24 school year.
September 13, 2023: Boys Varsity golf team media day vs. Averill Park.
September 12, 2023: Gowana counselors welcome back students for the new school year!
September 12, 2023: Shen’s dance team is ready for the 2023-24 school year!
August 30, 2023: First day of practice/tryouts for the Varsity football team
July 18, 2023: Skano students had a fun time choosing books to borrow for the summer. These Dolphins know it’s important to make reading part of their daily routine during vacation!
July 18, 2023: Students in our ENL summer program are having fun sorting ocean vocabulary words with Mr. Sweet.
June 20, 2023: Shatekon kindergarten students took a field trip to 15 Handles and enjoyed a special treat with their friends.
June 20, 2023: High School art students raised $3800.00 to help fund the medical expenses of these senior dogs by painting dog portraits for the Mr. Mo Project
June 20, 2023: Students from our Rho Kappa Club went to Albany and met with Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh and Senator James Tedesco. Here are some photos we took. They presented survey research they had done on students’ opinions on bills under consideration.
June 14, 2023: Shatekon hosted career day where local businesses and organizations highlighted what jobs in different fields look like!
June 13, 2023: Students enrolled in Ms. Godzwon’s HVCC College in the High School Marketing class presented advertising campaigns to Sunmark Federal Credit Union’s marketing department
June 5, 2023: Shen high school students competed at the Mathcon National Competition in Chicago in May.
June 1, 2023: Mrs. Hoobler’s EDK friends had a special guest for Star Wars Day!
June 1, 2023: Community members shared different career opportunities with Skano 5th graders at the Career Fair.
June 1, 2023: Mrs. O’Brien’s 2nd graders celebrated their nonfiction research by sharing their writing with family members and shelving it in the Skano Library.
May 23, 2023: Unified Basketball team at the Bethlehem game.
May 23, 2023: The National Art Honor Society has partnered with Bensons pet Store to create dog portraits for dogs in foster care.
May 23, 2023: High School students attended a 2-day job shadowing experience at Global Foundries
May 11, 2023: Board of Education member, Gusta Miller, was invited to Carolyn Walton’s 3rd grade class at Okte to answer their questions on what it means to be a board member.
May 8, 2023: Mr. Symonds 7th grade technology class felt the first hand effects of electrical current for their electricity unit. The students learn about energy production all the way down to basic house wiring.
May 7, 2023: Congratulations to Josh Kasper who received the Outstanding Business Education Award from BMEA of the Capital Region!
May 6, 2023: Unified basketball at Shaker in May
May 3, 2023: Students from the Shen Environmental Club volunteered to work with the Historic Preservation Commission to rake and clean up the Millius Cemetery on Clifton Park Center Rd. opposite the entrance to Arongen.
May 3, 2023: Faculty and Staff members took part in a four session custom wooden sign making course with Andy Mink and Rock Travis in the middle school technology rooms! Using their imagination and our high tech automated equipment, they designed and created custom signs. Take a look at the products they made!
May 3, 2023: Gowana student, Ben Truitt did a presentation for Gowana Team 6-2 about his experiences while living in China for a year!
May 2, 2023: Students from the high school took a field trip to the Met for their World Cultures/ Drawing and Painting classes
May 2, 2023: Chango Teachers and staff celebrate Autism Acceptance Month.
May 1, 2023: Members of the Shatekon Kindness Committee spread kindness and love throughout the building.
April 24, 2023: The West Environment Club did a campus cleanup this week to celebrate Earth Day.
April 24, 2023: Mr. Symonds Functional Skills Development class built and hung up modern bird feeders around the school yard.
April 24, 2023: Boys Varsity Lacrosse scores a goal on senior night!
April 21, 2023: Actors from Shakespeare & Company in Lenox, MA performed Romeo and Juliet to 800 of our High School students.
April 19, 2023: World Languages Honor Society and National Art Honor Society held a culture week at High School East in April (read more).
April 6, 2023: Boys baseball took on Niskayuna
April 6, 2023: Girls softball took on Niskayuna
April 6, 2023: Aerospace Engineering students visited the Albany Air Traffic Control Tower and the NYS Police Aviation Headquarters.
March 30, 2023: The Middle School’s Treble Choir performed at the Capitol and at the Saratoga/Schenectady county choral showcase.
March 29, 2023: Leslie DeShazor, a musician traveling with the national tour of Hamilton, shared her expertise on playing alternative styles of music with the Shenendehowa High School Orchestra students.
March 29, 2023: A representative from the Savannah College of Art and Design visited the HS Art Department and presented on SCAD’s academic programs, art and design career options, and admission requirements.
March 29, 2023: Ms. Beck’s second graders at Shatekon are showing money two different ways with coins.
March 29, 2023: Dental hygienist students from HVCC visit Mrs. Allen’s third grade class at Shatekon!
March 21, 2023: We are all different, and that is GREAT! Shatekon kindergarteners rocking their socks for World Down Syndrome Day!
March 13, 2023: Congratulations to Shen Pride’s Staff Members of the Month for Feb: social studies teacher Matt Jason at HSE and special education teacher Nadia Stadnyk at HSW.
March 13, 2023: Three Shen High School students made it to the semifinals of the USABO- USA Biolympiad, a prestigious biology competition in the U.S.
March 9, 2023: In honor of National Breakfast Week, Katy Headwell, Director of Food Services, visited Mrs. Jewett’s Kindergarten class to have a bagel breakfast and read a bagel book.
March 7, 2023: Over February break, 20 high school students and 3 teachers went to Germany, Austria, Lichtenstein and Switzerland on an educational tour.
March 1, 2023: Skano second graders read original poems to their families at Mr. Johnson’s Blue Moon Cafe poetry night.
March 1, 2023: Shen High School art students have partnered with the Clifton Park Town Court to paint murals in the building to brighten up the courtroom.
February 17, 2023: Skano PE teacher and boys JV volleyball coach, Chad Hagner, joined the Varsity Volleyball team as they were honored at the State Capital for winning the State Championship.
February 17, 2023: Karigon faculty and students were visited by the Shen Jazz band who performed a variety of songs from legendary African American Jazz musicians to help celebrate Black History Month.
February 14, 2023: Shen robotics students take some time to demonstrate their skills, talents, and creativity to Senator Jim Tedisco.
February 10, 2023: Okte Staff Gets Groovy! In preparation for the upcoming 50th anniversary celebration, Okte teachers and staff will model fashion from each of the last ten decades. 2/10 was 70’s day!
January 23, 2023: Arongen second graders in Mrs. Jacon’s class made ornaments to raise money to adopt two endangered animals as well as donate to local charities and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. More info and photos…
December 20, 2022: HSE School Counselors supporting spirit week on “Twin Day”
November 28, 2022: Shen High School student Jade O’Campo was guilty of ‘fowl’ play as she prepared turkeys in the Culinary Arts and Hospitality Tech lab of the Capital Region BOCES CTE Center. More info…
June 17, 2022: The Skano Elementary Yearbook Club proudly displays the results of all their hard work, capturing the many great memories from this year!
June 14, 2022: Acadia Middle School eighth graders enjoy their first field trip as Middle Schoolers! Students had a great time at the Great Escape in Lake George. More photos…
May 31, 2022: Mr. Nicky performed virtually for sixth graders at Acadia, Gowana and Koda Middle Schools. He performed some of his classic songs and even wrote a new song with the help of our students.
May 16, 2022: Nineteen Math Honors Society students participated in the national online competition, MathCon, with four finalists moving on to compete in Chicago! Congratulations to all involved! Click for info and photos…
May 13, 2022: Shen Pride would like to congratulate April’s Eastie of the Month Pamela Woloszyn and Westie of the Month Amy Sheldon!
May 11, 2022: Shen Music Department hosted Kim Nazarian of the Grammy Award winning vocal ensemble New York Voices to run a masterclass with East Choraliers. More information and photos…
May 6, 2022: National safe driving advocates from Hang Up and Drive, Jacy Good and Steve Johnson, spoke to High School West students about distracted driving — sharing their story about how their lives were forever changed because of a distracted driver.
April 22, 2022: Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh speaks to High School seniors in Government class. Students posed engaging and purposeful questions on current events, local and state issues and what it takes to work in politics. More photos…
April 14, 2022: High School Shen Best Buddies Club participated in the Friendship Walk on Sunday, April 10 at Crossgates Mall, raising over $3,000 for the organization by their team alone!
March 23, 2022: Tesago Elementary first graders participated in a Place-Value Bootcamp when “Lieutenant K” came to visit the class to strengthen their minds and bodies. More photos…
March 23, 2022: Tesago Elementary fourth graders embraces Dutch heritage in NYS and take to the ice before vacation!
March 17, 2022: Thank you to the Clifton Park Elks Lodge 2466 for their donation of $2,750 to the Shen Bountiful Backpack program!
March 15, 2022: Congratulations to Karigon’s Musical Club on a wonderful performance of Lion King Kids! Photos are provided by Richard Gabriel Photography…
March 10, 2022: Ms. Keller’s class at Orenda Elementary dove into a Storyworks article titled Vanished that discussed theories of what happened to Amelia Earhart. Two students took it to a whole new level…
March 10, 2022: Okte Elementary students Read Across America…literally! From NYS facts to countrywide pen pals, to supporting Ronald McDonald House and so much more…
March 10, 2022: Tri-Building Mathcounts Club students at Gowana, Koda and Acadia participated in a virtual regional math competition landing three students a spot in the state competition! More info…
February 15, 2022: Okte Elementary PTA provides treats and sweets for Okte staff as a thank you this Valentine’s Day!
February 14, 2022: High School Leo Club member volunteer at the Northeast Regional Food Bank during Kindness Month. Click for list of students involved…
January 26, 2022: Acadia Middle Schoolers in Ms. Clermont’s sixth grade Art class rocked this self portrait project, drawing themselves as cartoons. More photos…
November 22, 2021: Shen Robotics Club completes a 5 week collaborative learning program with students from Schenectady Rise High Program, learning how to block program and create software to drive a robot. More photos…
November 18, 2021: Students in Mr. Symonds’s Techology classes at Acadia Middle School use a drill press, learn about static electricity, and show off their hovercrafts. More photos…
November 8, 2021: Sixth graders in Mr. Antonacci’s General Music classes began learning rock instruments — rotating between guitar, electric bass, drums and keyboard. More photos…
November 1, 2021: Gowana Middle School’s PTA Book Fair was a huge success!
November 1, 2021: Chango Elementary students, PTA, teachers and administrators celebrate Halloween in style. More photos…
October 6, 2021: Clifton Park Councilwoman Amy Flood presents certificate of appreciation to Shen Robotics Club.
October 5, 2021: Acadia Middle School 8th Graders in Mr. Early’s class enjoy a liquid nitrogen demonstration.
October 5, 2021: Mrs. Sibson’s 8th graders from Acadia Middle School outside on a beautiful fall day combining like terms! More photos…
October 5, 2021: Ms. Girard’s class at Okte Elementary finishes up their butterfly unit of study with stained glass creations! More photos…
September 24, 2021: Shen Thrift Shop apparel available on Tuesday, September 28. More information…
September 8, 2021: Students arrive back on campus to kick off the 2021-22 school year! More photos…
August 13, 2021: Sixteen graduates join the Class of 2021 in Summer School Graduation celebration. More photos…
May 7, 2021: Students in Rachel Karam’s high school class study Spanish virtually and in person. More photos…
April 28, 2021: Mrs. Trent shares her family heritage with her fourth grade class at Skano as they conclude their study of the American Revolution.
April 27, 2021: Assistant Principal, Mr. Luke joins in on a game of capture the LAX ball in 6th grade physical education.
March 23, 2021: Tesago Elementary Principal Mr. Pace lends a helping hand in the kitchen!
March 23, 2021: Ms. Temple’s Kindergarten class at Tesago Elementary learns months, dates, numbers and counting through varied learning modalities. More photos…
February 9, 2021: Karigon Elementary Principal Mr. Jones visits Ms. Paupini’s 3rd Grade class for a read-aloud highlighting the contributions of African Americans on children’s literature.
February 5, 2021: Gowana National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) decorates for their “SOUPER BOWL” food drive. More photos…

Shatekon Elementary

November 17, 2023: Shatekon celebrates Veterans Day!
October 16, 2023: Get Shatekon apparel here
June 20, 2023: Shatekon EDK students partnered up with 5th graders to complete a Spaghetti Tower Challenge!
May 13, 2023: Shatekon’s Student council chalked the walk for staff appreciation week.

Shen High School

April 15, 2025: In March all High School Latin students took the National Latin Exam. Students who placed will be awarded at their respective awards night (click here for the list of students who placed for the 2025 year)!
June 13, 2023: You can take a look at the 9th grade awards ceremony presentation here!
May 2, 2023: Husband and wife team, Jacy Good and Steve Johnson, presented their program “Hang Up and Drive” to the students at High School West. Steve and Jacy are public speakers and advocates for phone free roads.
November 2, 2022: Photos now available for the following High School ceremonies: National Honor Society, Green & White Awards, Rho Kappa Inductions, National Language Honors Society and Tri-M Inductions. Click for full albums…
August 29, 2022: Class of 2023 Senior T-Shirt Pick Up set for August 30 between 11am-1pm at High School East. More info on purchasing 2023 apparel…
May 17, 2022: 36th Annual CASDA Recognition Awarded to Four Shen High School Students for Making A Difference. Congratulations to Jaden, Lauren, Trinity and Catherine! More information…
May 4, 2022: June 2022 Exam Schedule is now available for Shen High School. Click for full details…
April 22, 2022: Shen PRIDE’s Eastie and Westie of the Month winners recognized from January through March. Congrats to Mary, Danielle, Leia and Joanna! More info…
December 9, 2020: Information on AP Exams 2020-21…
October 22, 2015: Clubs & Extracurricular Activities

Skano Elementary

June 7, 2024: Community members shared various career opportunities with the Skano 5th graders at the Career Fair
September 28, 2023: Skano students were excited when Miss Frizzle and Liz reminded Morning Program to “Take chances, make mistakes and get messy!”
February 15, 2023: Skano students participated in a puppet program from Puppets in Education to kick off our Kindness Week.

Tesago Elementary

January 11, 2019: Share School Photos for Yearbook.
January 11, 2019: Tesago Yearbook Order Form

Uncategorized

September 30, 2024: Two Student Ambassadors from High School East presented to new students about all of the clubs, athletics and school events they can get involved with.
September 30, 2024: Girls Varsity Volleyball wins the Victor Tournament Championship!
September 10, 2024: Mrs. Trotta’s 1st grade class at Karigon was all smiles as they welcomed in the new school year. They enjoyed a day of getting to know Karigon and eating lunch in the cafeteria for the first time.
March 8, 2024: Karigon Elementary presents Frozen Jr! Join us on Wed. 3/13 at 7pm or Fri. 3/15 at 7pm to catch this wonderful performance at Karigon Elementary School (click for more info)!
September 19, 2023: Communicable Diseases (COVID, Flu, etc.)
March 22, 2023: (3/10/23) Q: Does the BOE have a policy regarding teachers creating social media posts (TicToks) during classroom instruction time, even if students are not visible? (Parent)
October 14, 2022: HOMECOMING Varsity Football versus Saratoga is TONIGHT — Friday, October 14 at 7pm! Tickets are still available…
March 23, 2022: BOE Adopts Formal Notice and Propositions for Annual Budget Vote and School Election. More info…
February 7, 2022: At-home COVID-19 tests covered under Express Scripts RX benefit. More info…
September 18, 2020: Message from Dr. L. Oliver Robinson about the first week of school and a few reminders and clarifications…

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