Educating Everyone Takes Everyone TOGETHER
WelcomeBallston Spa’s New Students
Class of 2023
Educating Everyone Takes Everyone TOGETHER
Introductions Mr. Duca
Principal: Mr. Gianleo Duca
Assistant Principals:Mrs. Daina Sisk, Mr. Donald Brandt, Ms. Kathryn McTiernan
Student Conduct Coordinator: Mr. Ted Snyder
Athletic Director: Mr. Dave Sunkes
K-12 Science Coordinator: Ms. Diane Irwin
School Resource Officer: Deputy Jonathan Becker
BSHS PTSA: Rana Hughes, Sue Filburn, Ayumi Kasi and Hannah Hughes
Class of 2023 President: Bella Bennice
Student Council President: Ethan Shuhart
School Counselors:Mrs. Colleen Bengle, Mrs. Christina Carlson, Mr. Kevin Flores, Mrs. Mara Gallagher, Mrs. Christy Knapp, Mrs. Nicole Stehle, & Mrs. Lyndsey Wilcox
Educating Everyone Takes Everyone TOGETHER
High School News Mr. Duca
✔ Library is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday after
school until 3:30 pm, starting Tuesday, September 10th
✔ Late bus runs – Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays,
starting Tuesday, September 10th
✔ Student drop-off and pick-up in loop between soccer
field and tree line. Please do not drop off or pick up in
the staff parking lot or bus loop
✔ High School Meet the Teacher Night – September 26th at
7:00 pm; please try to be at school by 6:45 pm, first
period begins promptly at 7:00 pm. Thank you!
Educating Everyone Takes Everyone TOGETHER
Welcome Class of 2023! Mrs. Sisk
Educating Everyone Takes Everyone TOGETHER
Dignity for All Students (DASA) Ms. Sisk
New York State’s Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) prohibits
acts of harassment and bullying, including cyberbullying, and/or
discrimination, by employees or students on school property or at
a school function, including but not limited to such conduct those
based on a student’s actual or perceived race, color, weight,
national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice,
disability, sexual orientation, gender (defined to include gender
identity or expression), or sex (Education Law §12[1]).
Cyberbullying is defined as harassment or bullying which takes
place through any form of electronic communication (Education
Law §11[8]).
Educating Everyone Takes Everyone TOGETHER
Incident Report Ms. Sisk
Educating Everyone Takes Everyone TOGETHER
School Safety/Security Deputy Becker
1. Brief Intro2. Arrival 3. Dismissal / Bus Loop 4. See Something Say Something 5. Drills
○ Lockdown - Red star ○ Lockdown - Fire alarm ○ Self evacuation(if needed)○ Personal property leave it○ It's Just another drill
(PMP)○ Propping doors/ Main
Entrance for Visitors
Educating Everyone Takes Everyone TOGETHER
Clubs & Activities Ms. McTiernan
✔ Anime/International Club
✔ Best Buddies
✔ Biology Club
✔ Book Club
✔ Senior Class
✔ Junior Class
✔ Sophomore Class
✔ Freshman Class
✔ Communications Club
✔ Environmental Club
✔ Interact Club
✔ Music Activities/ Tri- M
✔ NCBI
✔ National Honor Society
✓ Odyssey of the Mind
✓ Outdoor Club
✓ Peer Mentoring
✓ Robotics Club
✓ Science Club
✓ Ski Club
✓ Spanish Club
✓ Student Council
✓ Students Helping Students
✓ Swing Dance Club
✓ Troupe/ Drama
✓ Yearbook
Educating Everyone Takes Everyone TOGETHER
Student Council Ethan
Shuhart● Get involved!- It’s simple! Just show up to a meeting and you’re in!
● Meetings every first and third Wednesday of the month
- Listen to announcements for them too
● Events we do:- Pep Rally- Street Fair- Homecoming Dance
Educating Everyone Takes Everyone TOGETHER
LOCKERS
Each hallway has a letter,
followed by the number of
the floor level.
Ex. Locker A2000 or B2541
RA
MP
LIBRARY
CAFETERIA
RA
MP
AUDITORIUM
ART
GYM
A
B
School Map/Lockers Mr. Brandt
C
TECH
MUSICPOOL
Educating Everyone Takes Everyone TOGETHER
CLASSROOMS
1-- is ART/TECH/MUSIC
2-- is GROUND FLOOR
3-- is UP STAIRS
School Map/Lockers
Educating Everyone Takes Everyone TOGETHER
AttendanceMr. Brandt
1 or 2 days a week may not seem like much but…
Show Up - Work Hard - Be Kind
Educating Everyone Takes Everyone TOGETHER
Late to School PolicyMr. Brandt✔ Students who are not in their Block 1 class when the bell
rings at 7:30 am are considered late to school.
✔ Consequences for being Tardy:
○ Academic Consequences
• Miss classroom instruction
• Fall behind academically
○ Disciplinary Consequences
• 4th Late ⭢ Lunch detention
• 5th & 6th Late ⭢ After school detention
• 7th Late and above ⭢ Alternate Learning Area
Educating Everyone Takes Everyone TOGETHER
Early Dismissal Policy Mr.
Brandt✔ Leaving School Early:
○ Bring your note to the attendance office when you
arrive at school in the morning
○ Note should include reason, parent name and
signature, and phone number to verify
○ Student will receive a dismissal note that can be
given to greeter when leaving
✔ We require a written note to dismiss a student early
✔ If someone not on a student’s contact list is picking up
your student we require permission from you in writing
and need the individual to provide ID at greeter’s desk
Educating Everyone Takes Everyone TOGETHER
✔ Consult student agenda or website for district policy on
excused and unexcused absences and tardies.
Attendance Matters!Mr. Brandt
✔ Arriving Late and Leaving Early Adds up
Educating Everyone Takes Everyone TOGETHER
Vaping - Safety & Discipline Mr. Brandt
Educating Everyone Takes Everyone TOGETHER
Physical Education Mrs. Smarro
P.E. Grade Breakdown
30% Preparation
2 – Appropriate attire and footwear
1 – Appropriate footwear only
0 – Unprepared for class
50% Participation and Effort
3 – On time for class and meets/exceeds teacher expectations
2 – Late for class without a pass and meets teacher expectations
1 – Late for class without a pass and is not meeting teacher expectations.
0 – Does not participate in class
20% Cognitive and/or skills testing
Discretion of the teacher
Total = 100%
**All Physical Education Teachers utilize SchoolTool for grade
reporting.
Educating Everyone Takes Everyone TOGETHER
Daily & Lunch Schedule Mr. Snyder
Day Daily Schedule
BLOCK 1 7:30 – 8:30
BLOCK 2 8:34 – 9:37
BLOCK 3 9:41 – 10:41
BLOCK 410:45 to 12:15
(includes lunch)
LUNCH 1
Lunch 1
10:45 to 11:13
Studio Art
11:17 to 12:15
LUNCH 2
English 9 Regents
11:17 to 12:15
Lunch 2
11:17 to 11:43
English 9 Regents
11:45 to 12:15
LUNCH 3
Global History 9
10:45 – 11:43
Lunch 3
11:45 to 12:15
BLOCK 5 12:19 – 1:19
BLOCK 6 1:23 – 2:23
Educating Everyone Takes Everyone TOGETHER
Study Halls Mr. Snyder
✔ Study Halls are work periods
✔ Eight students may sign up to go to the Library from
Study Hall
✔ Students may see teachers if there is an Advisory
period, or they may go with a pre-signed pass to the
department offices
✔ Students can make School Counselor appointments
during Study Halls
✔ Study Halls are great opportunities for students to get
ahead with their work or get extra help, and must be
proactive
Educating Everyone Takes Everyone TOGETHER
Science Ms. Irwin
✔ The majority of students will be taking Living
Environment (i.e. Biology) in 9th grade. The course
culminates with the Living Environment Regents exam.
✔ A change from 8th grade is that NY State requires that all
students in Regents level classes have 1200 minutes (20
hours) for laboratory experiences in addition to class time.
✔ NY also requires that students submit satisfactory written
lab reports upon completion of a lab. Students must
complete satisfactory lab reports in order to take the
Regents exam at the end of the year.
Educating Everyone Takes Everyone TOGETHER
Chromebooks Ms. Bongo
✔ How will my classes be different?
✔ What do I need to do to take care of my Chromebook?
✔ What if I forget my Chromebook?
✔ What do I do if my Chromebook isn’t charged?
✔ What if I lose, break, misplace, etc. my Chromebook?
✔ What if I don’t want to bring my Chromebook home?
✔ How do I use it outside of school?
✔ What if we don’t have internet or it is intermittent?
✔ How do I login to my Chromebook?
✔ If I haven’t picked mine up yet, where do I get one?
✔ What is my username and password?
Username- last name and first two initials (smithjo)
Password is the same from last year
✔ If you can’t remember your password, see Teaching Assistants
in the library
✔ Student Help Desk (technician)
Educating Everyone Takes Everyone TOGETHER
Student Orientation from 9:30 to 10:30
Freshmen: Follow “A” day schedule
Block 1 – 9:30-9:37
Block 2 – 9:41-9:48
Block 3 – 9:52-9:59
Block 4 – 10:03-10:10
Block 5 – 10:14-10:21
Block 6 – 10:25-10:32
*For study halls report to the Library
*Report to your Block 4 classroom (Not Lunch)
*New non-9th grade students please report to the
Guidance Office
10:30 – 11:00 Clubs & Activities Fair (Cafeteria)
10:30 – 11:00 Chromebook Pick-up (Library)
11:00 – BBQ (Main Entrance)
Educating Everyone Takes Everyone TOGETHER
Parent Program from 9:30 to 10:30
Health Services: Mrs. Sheila Rabideau & Mrs. Shelly Mauro, School NursesMrs. Colleen Ferlo, RN, District Health Leader
Graduation Requirements, Transcript, Naviance, School Tool & Role of the Counselor: Mrs. Colleen Bengle, Mr. Kevin Flores, Mrs. Lyndsey Wilcox
ECHS:Ms. Diane Irwin & Mrs. Adrienne Snow
Bring your own device: Mrs. Marissa Bongo
B-Spa Connected: Mrs. Nicole Holehan
Building Leadership Team/PTSA Involvement:Mr. Duca
Educating Everyone Takes Everyone TOGETHER
Health Services
School Nurses
Mrs. Sheila Rabideau & Mrs.Shelly Mauro, School Nurses
Mrs. Colleen Ferlo, RN, District Health Leader
✔ If your child is ill and will not be attending school, please
call the attendance office @ extension 2378 and send a
note upon your child’s return (see legal excuses in code
of conduct).
✔ Physical education notes need to be specific regarding
the physical restrictions denoted by the doctor.
Educating Everyone Takes Everyone TOGETHER
Student Counseling Services Mr. Flores
1. Initiate teacher, student, counselor, parent conferences, as
needed.
2. Regularly review with students their educational progress
and career plans.
3. Assist students in coping with peer pressure and emerging
personal, social, and emotional needs.
4. Provide information to assist students in career planning.
5. Assist students in discovering the benefits of
participating in various curricular and extracurricular
programs.
6. Naviance
Educating Everyone Takes Everyone TOGETHER
NYS Credits for Graduation Mr. Flores
Course Regents Adv. Regents
English 4 credits 4 credits
Social Studies 4 credits 4 credits
Mathematics 3 credits 3 credits
Science 3 credits 3 credits
Health ½ credit ½ credit
The Arts 1 credit 1 credit
Foreign Language 1 credit 3 credits
Physical Education 2 credits 2 credits
Elective Courses 3.5 credits 1.5 credits
Total Units of Credit: 22 Credits Required for
Graduation
Educating Everyone Takes Everyone TOGETHER
NYS Credits for Graduation Mr. Flores
Additional Diploma Options:
*To earn the Advanced Regents, the student must
complete one of the following:
✔ Foreign Language (total of 3 credits)
✔ CTE (Career and Technical Education) (total of 5
credits) plus 1 credit in foreign language
✔ The arts (5 credits) plus 1 credit in a foreign language.
**Honors (average of 90 or higher on all required exams)
***Math Mastery (score of 85 on 3 exams) & Science
Mastery (score of 85 on 3 exams)
Educating Everyone Takes Everyone TOGETHER
Regents Exams & Diploma Types Mr. Flores
Regents Diploma Advanced Regents Diploma
English Language Arts English Language Arts
Global History Global History
US History US History
Algebra 1Math (Algebra, Geometry and
Algebra 2)
Science (Earth Science or
Biology)Biology (Life Science)
Any Physical Science (Earth
Science, Chemistry or Physics)
Educating Everyone Takes Everyone TOGETHER
Regents Exams & Diploma Types Mr. Flores
✔ Students Entering Grade 9 in September 2012 – Must attain a passing score on FIVE required Regents examinations and will receive a Regents endorsed diploma.
✔ Students who score 65 or above in eight Regents examinations will receive an Advanced Regents diploma. Regents Exams in the areas of:
✔ Science – 2 Exams
✔ Math – 3 Exams
✔ Social Studies – 2 Exams
✔ English – 1 Exam
Educating Everyone Takes Everyone TOGETHER
Clean Technologies/Sustainable Industries Mrs. Snow and Mrs. Carlson
Early College High School (ECHS)✔ Provides high school students with opportunities to
develop college and career readiness skills and pursue
college coursework on a college campus with college
faculty in specific college majors through HVCC.
✔ Students participate in transdisciplinary problem based
learning.
✔ Students will visit the TEC-SMART campus once a
month prior to junior year.
Educating Everyone Takes Everyone TOGETHER
B-Spa Connected Mrs. Bongo✔ Filtered internet all the time no matter where computer is
✔ What happens to their work each year?
✔ What about apps and chat features?
✔ Where can I learn more about B-Spa Connected and the
Chromebooks in the high school?
Google Suite
✔ Google Drive will replace network storage
✔ More easily accessible from home
✔ Google Docs, Sheets & Slides replace Microsoft Office
✔ Gmail – To and from teachers only (closed circuit)
Schoology
Nicole Holehan, Coordinator of Instructional Technology
Educating Everyone Takes Everyone TOGETHER
Parent Portal/SchoolTool Ms. McTiernan
Steps to obtain an account:
1. www.bscsd.org
2. Parent Resources
3. Parent Portal
With a Parent Portal account, parents/guardians have access
to the following student information: ✔ Student Record (basic information)
✔ Contact Information
✔ Schedule
✔ Attendance (daily and course absences)
✔ Grades (Marking Period Averages and Final Grades)
✔ Assignment Grades
✔ Email communication with teachers and counselors
Educating Everyone Takes Everyone TOGETHER
School Messenger Mrs. Sisk
✔ Ballston Spa High School utilizes School Messenger to notify
you of school information and events mainly by email.
✔ In the event of a school closing or emergency, we will also use
a text/phone call to provide information as quickly as possible.
✔ To receive text messages, send a text to the number 68453 and
then respond with the word “YES” from each wireless device
you wish to receive texts on (otherwise the text is blocked by
cellular companies).
✔ The High School is also using the system to place attendance
calls in the event of a student being marked absent. Please be
sure we have the most recent phone contact information and
email address in your student(s) record. Parents also have the
option to modify which messages they receive, and can choose
how they receive messages, by setting up their own contact
preference profile using School Messenger’s Contact Manager.
Educating Everyone Takes Everyone TOGETHER
Dates to Remember Mrs. Sisk
✔ First Day of Classes: Thursday, September 5
✔ Superintendent’s Conference Day (½ Day):
Friday, September 20
✔ Meet the Teacher Night: Thursday, September
26
✔ Homecoming Pep Rally, Street Fair, Football
Game: Friday, October 11
✔ Homecoming Dance: Saturday, October 12
Educating Everyone Takes Everyone TOGETHER
Invitations – Mr. Duca
Thank you for coming!
✔ Please follow us via Twitter: @BSPAHS for school updates and
photos
✔ You are invited to the be a part of our Building Leadership Team:
✔ The first meeting is on 9/17 at 2:30 in the High School room
347
✔ Please visit our clubs and activities fair in the cafeteria and then
join us for lunch at 11:00.