Monthly Message from the Superintendent: January 2025

Dear VCSD school community,

At this halfway point in the school year, I want to take a moment to reflect on all we’ve accomplished together and set our intentions for a meaningful new year and a strong finish to the school year.

January is a time for renewed focus, and at Voorheesville, we remain steadfast in our commitment to investing in our students, staff and community in ways that make a lasting impact.

A key focus during this time is the development of the 2025-26 school budget. This process is not just about allocating resources; it’s about aligning our values and priorities with the opportunities we provide for our students. From classroom learning to extracurricular programs, we strive to take the learning that happens in and outside of our classrooms “beyond books,” transforming it into “adventures of discovery” that inspire curiosity and growth.

As we plan for the future, we are guided by our shared goal of building a community and school system filled with promise. Together, we continue to build a brighter future for Voorheesville—one that empowers our students and strengthens our community.

Thank you for your ongoing support, and I look forward to continuing this journey with all of you.

Beyond books: updates from our schools and classrooms

  • Science is more than just a subject–it’s an adventure of discovery! We’re incredibly proud of our students and faculty for making science learning a top priority. According to NYS Education Department results cited by Datawrapper, VCSD leads the way for science proficiency for grades 5 and 8 among Albany County schools. Statewide, we are ranked 83rd out of over 600 schools. Curiosity is the fuel that will keep driving our success!
  • The fabric of history. Voorheesville high schoolers and their peers attending Capital Region BOCES’ Global Fashion program learned so much about the history that has and continues to influence fashion as they created miniature window displays this holiday season. Learn more about how our students are learning at Capital Region BOCES’ Career & Technical Education. 
  • Kindness counts. Throughout the month of January, our middle schoolers learned about the important role they can play in sustaining a healthy, safe and welcoming learning environment for all. Learn about how our Second Step curriculum supports our k-8 students’ social and emotional learning and growth. 
  • Congratulations All-County all stars. Congratulations to the more than two dozen middle and high school choral and band students who were selected to perform at the upcoming All Country festival on Feb. 1 at Mohonasen High School. It is always an inspiration to see—and hear!—how the students move from notes on paper to such a joyful performance.
  • Welcoming our newest Blackbirds. Kindergarten registration now open. It’s time for parents and guardians of children who will turn five on or before Dec. 1, 2025 to register their child for kindergarten. To register, email Joanne Murphy or call 518-765-2382 ext. 4002. Additional registration information is also available here.

Families are also invited to attend Kindergarten Information Night on Wednesday, March 20. This event will provide an overview of the kindergarten program and offer an opportunity to ask questions.

Budget 2025-26: planning our district’s future

Our board of education and district administration have begun planning for the 2025-26 school district budget. Each year at this time, we carefully consider how we can best utilize our resources to support our essential, day-to-day needs and enrich and expand our students’ learning in meaningful ways.

Watch our website throughout this winter and spring for news and updates about the budget-making process. And mark your calendars: the annual school budget vote and board of education election will take place on Tuesday, May 20 from 2:30 –  9 p.m. in the Middle School foyer.

Upcoming Dates and Events

Feb. 12 – Principal’s Reception,  7-7:30 a.m. in the Commons

Feb. 17 – 21 – February Break (no school)

March 6 – High School Concert, 7 – 8:30 p.m., PAC