Hello VCSD Community,
As we begin a new school year, I am reminded of the many ways our district continues to grow while staying true to the values that define us. At VCSD, we believe that strong communication builds trust, responsible stewardship safeguards our future, and service to others develops students’ character and strengthens our community.
This fall, you will see these themes come to life. From the opening of our new transportation facility—an investment in the future made possible by your support—to our efforts to preserve the district’s history through the digitization of records, we are honoring both where we’ve been and where we’re headed. We’re also expanding communication with the launch of Student Square (an extension of our new Parent Square school messaging system), ensuring our students are connected to the people and activities that shape their daily school experience.
Just as important, our students continue to inspire us through their service. The recent volunteer fair at Clayton A. Bouton is just one example of how they are discovering the importance of giving back and making an impact beyond the classroom. These experiences remind us that education is about more than academics—it is about preparing young people to be engaged, thoughtful citizens.
I also want to share an update on the ongoing elementary school project, which remains a top priority this year. Construction will continue throughout the school year, with special attention to the drainage and site work in the back portion of the building near the playground. This important work is slated for completion by late November, and we appreciate the community’s patience as we move forward. While construction projects can be disruptive in the short term, they represent an investment in safe, accessible, and high-quality facilities for our youngest learners. Learn more about the scope of the capital project, which includes the Transportation Facility.
As always, we remain committed to openness and accessibility. Our website, newsletters and communication tools are designed to keep families informed and connected. Together, we celebrate what makes us proud to be Blackbirds: a community built on respect, responsibility, and shared purpose.
Thank you for your partnership and support as we begin this school year with optimism and pride.
Sincerely,
Frank Macri
Superintendent
Highlights and important updates
Student Square: our newest home-school communication tool
Along with Parent Square, the district’s new home/school communications tool, is an application designed just for our high school students: Student Square. Here, students can receive and send messages to their teachers, coaches and advisors about classes and the activities and events they participate with.
During school hours, students will be able to access Student Square on their school Chromebooks. Staff have already instructed them in how to set up their accounts and access Student Square there. The Student Square app can also be downloaded at the Apple and Google Play sites for use on students’ mobile devices outside of school.
Follow these easy steps to access the VCSD Student Square on all student devices:
- Go to https://www.mystudentsquare.com/signin
- Click “Sign In with Google”
- Sign in with your Voorheesville google account
Students will need to verify their account with an emailed code.
Got Parent Square questions? We can help!
We hope our families are enjoying their experience with Parent Square. As a reminder, our VCSD team is ready to assist with any questions you have. Please message us at parentsquarehelp@voorheesville.org.
NCBI – building tomorrow’s leaders
Later this week, 20 of our grade 7-11 students will be introduced to an innovative program through the National Coalition Building Institute designed to build their sense of connection in our schools and strengthen their skills as youth leaders. Participants were selected for this program based on their leadership potential and the unique life perspective and insight they have to share.
“The students may not ‘fit’ neatly into a particular peer group, and may not see themselves as leaders, yet, but have potential and unique stories and perspectives to share,” explained High School Principal LIsa Cardillo.
NCBI trainers will be back in October for two days of training with the students and a select group of teachers and counselors. Lunchtime gatherings throughout the school year will help the students develop their voices and leadership skills.
The ultimate goal is to have this group of students see themselves as trusted peers and leaders in our school and community, and have a “ripple effect” as they apply what they’ve learned as trainers of other classmates with similar potential in coming years.
You’re Invited: Transportation Facility Grand Opening Oct. 22
The district’s new, free-standing transportation facility is now open!
On Thursday, Oct. 22 from 5-7 p.m., we will host an open house and tour of the facility.
Capital improvement projects are a way our district invests in the upkeep and improvement of our school facilities. The new facility was designed to be a welcoming and contemporary workplace with the safety of our students, staff and visitors to our campus at the heart of its design.
We are excited to showcase this new facility and its many exciting features. We welcome everyone in the community to attend this event!
Preserving our records – and history
Thanks to a grant from the New York State Archives, VCSD will soon begin digitizing its historic school records, some of which date back to the 1800s.
Recently WTEN news visited the district to learn about this exciting project. Learn more in this story and video.
Blackbirds give back!
Community service is one of the ways we help our students grow their understanding about our community and world – and something each of our learners participate with as part of their middle school and high school career.
Clayton A. Bouton recently held its first volunteer fair, giving students a chance to meet with dozens of local organizations. It was fun seeing our students explore the many ways they can give back and have a meaningful impact on our community.
Thank you to everyone who helped make this fair such a success.
Website resources
Our website is a great resource for news and information about all our district has to offer. As you and your children get ready for the 2025-26 year, don’t forget to add our website to your list of back-to-school essentials.
Discover a host of VCSD school resources and essential contacts at our website.