Letter to Families and Staff
Letter To Families & Staff
Friday, February 16, 2024
Rebranding Update
We are excited to reveal our new RCS logo. A professional graphic designer transformed our winning student art contest design into an image that can be easily replicated on uniforms, signage, and letterhead. In the green banner will be the lettering “RCS” or “Ravens” depending on the use of the district logo. This and other versions of the graphic designer's interpretation were reviewed by the RCS Rebranding Committee and the final vote on the logo was cast by members of the Class of 2025 this week.
Our new name and logo will implemented for our teams during the 24-25 school year and the final updates to our facilities will be completed by the beginning of the 25-26 school year.
The District will continue its process of retiring current branded items such as uniforms, banners, and other signage. Larger rebranding changes like the athletic fields, pool, and gym floor will be scheduled for updates via regular maintenance, replacement, or construction projects. Some of these areas are already scheduled for update or replacement by 2025. Any updates that need to be completed prior to the end of their expected, useful life will be paid for either by funds given to the District through PILOT programs (Payments In Lieu Of Taxes) or by funds given to the District by Holcim. As a reminder, these rebranding efforts will not be paid through the District’s general budgetary fund. To learn more about the rebranding process click here.
Student Art Contest Winner
Student Art Contest winning submission.
Professional Graphic Designer
A professional graphic designer design using inspiration from Student Art Contest winning submission.
Upcoming Important Dates
Add to your digital calendar all the important District dates by clicking on the RCS School District Calendar and then “copy to my calendar.”
Here are some upcoming important dates:
Monday, February 19 - Friday, February 23: February Recess
Tuesday, March 5: Staff Development Day, Early Dismissal (UPK-12)
Friday, March 8: End of Second Trimester (UPK - 5) and End of 5 wk. Interim Period (MS/HS)
Friday, March 15: No School
Wednesday, March 20, and Thursday, March 21: Parent Teacher Conferences (Early Dismissal UPK - 8)
Winter Highlights
This time of year can get busy. We would like to take a moment to share some highlights from the past week.
Capital Zone Teacher of the Year 2024
Congratulations to Brandon Herwick, who was named Teacher of the Year by the New York State Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, Capital Zone! Brandon is a physical education teacher at A.W. Becker Elementary. The Board of Education and the awards committee from the Capital Zone honored Brandon on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, during the Board of Education meeting. To read more click here
High School Students Featured in Regional Art Show
Look Ahead to Spring
Spring Sports Registration
Our Athletics Department has opened spring sports registration for Junior Varsity (JV) and Varsity teams. Here are the registration dates for all spring sports teams:
Junior Varsity (JV) and Varsity Spring Sports Registrations:
Begin on Sunday, February 11, 2024, running through Friday, March 15, 2024.
Open to students in grades 9 through 12.
Modified Spring Sports Registration:
Begins Sunday, February 18, 2024, running through Friday, March 22, 2024.
Open to students in grades 7 and 8.
Please note, that not all details, such as coaches, first practice dates, etc., are available yet. The 2024 RCS Spring Sports First Practice Dates & Coach Information can be found on the athletics page. This document will be updated as the season gets closer.
RCS High School Drama Club Musical
The RCS High School Drama Club returns to the stage this March with live performances of the hit musical, Mary Poppins! The cast and crew have been working overtime to put together this spectacular show. They can’t wait to share their production with the RCS Community!
Show Dates:
Friday, March 8 at 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, March 9 at 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, March 10 at 2:00 p.m.
More information about how to purchase tickets can be found here.
Updates to RCS Transportation Department Leadership
The Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk Central School District has begun the search for a Transportation Director. During the search for a new director, the transportation department remains dedicated to communicating with families and providing reliable transportation services to our students. Interviews are currently taking place for the previously posted Assistant Transportation Director. Our district's Business Administrator, Jesse Boehme, will oversee the transportation department until a new director is found. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to the transportation department at (518) 756-5241 or transportation@rcscsd.org. To read more about the search for a new Transportation Director click here.
2024-25 School Budget
The process of developing the school budget for the academic year 2024-25 has begun. To view the budget development calendar and the recent budget presentation from the Board of Education meeting held on February 7, click here. Board of Education meetings are open to the public and can be viewed live on the District's YouTube channel. View the dates of the Board of Education meetings here.
Capital Improvement Updates
Here is an update on Capital Improvement Projects that are nearing completion.
- At Pieter B. Elementary and the Middle and High School campus, the installation of dugouts has begun as well as the outfield fencing. The completion date for the projects is scheduled for March.
- At the Middle School replacement of electric hot water heaters will take place during February Recess.
- The press box at the High School Athletic Stadium is nearing completion with final finishing items being installed.
Reminders
Emergency Closure Reminder
As winter weather approaches, we would like to remind families about the protocols that have been established for school closings, delays, and early dismissals, as well as the cancellation of extra-curricular activities.
In the event that weather impacts the school day, we use several information vehicles to communicate with parents and community members. All Emergency Closure information can be found on our website here.