Hello VCSD Community,
As we open the doors to a new school year, I want to extend a heartfelt welcome to all of you. A special greeting goes to our youngest Blackbirds—the kindergarten class of 2038—who are just beginning their journey with us, and to our seniors, the class of 2026, who are preparing for their final flight before venturing into the world beyond our walls. From start to finish, each of you is part of what makes this community strong.
This year, our commitment remains simple yet ambitious: to build upon our successes while never shying away from asking, “How can we grow?” The world is changing rapidly, and our responsibility is to prepare students not just for today’s challenges, but for the opportunities they will face 20 years from now. We want our graduates to be the leaders, innovators and citizens who make the world a better place.
That future looks different than the one we prepared for when we were in school—or even than what students experienced just a decade ago. Digital and media literacy, for example, have become as essential as reading and writing. Helping students learn how to navigate information, think critically and communicate responsibly in an interconnected world is central to our mission.
Meanwhile, close to home, you will notice ongoing construction at our elementary school. Please know that while work continues throughout the year, the safety of our students and staff is always our top priority. Some areas may not win any design awards mid-project (unless “Best Use of Caution Tape” is a new category), but learning will continue safely and meaningfully.
Just as we are modernizing our buildings, we are also strengthening how we connect with families. This year, we are moving to ParentSquare as our primary communication tool. Like any new technology, there may be a few bugs to work through, but we believe it will ultimately provide a clearer, more consistent way for families to stay informed.
In addition, we’ve created a Chain of Command guide to help parents and guardians know exactly where to start when they have a question or concern—because the only thing worse than a tricky homework assignment is not knowing who to ask for help. View the Chain of Command document on our district website.
With the dedication of our teachers, staff and families, we know this will be a year filled with growth, learning and new opportunities for every student. Together, we’ll celebrate successes, face challenges with resilience and keep building a school community where every child feels supported and inspired to do their best.
We look forward to partnering with you in the year ahead—welcome back!
Sincerely,
Frank Macri
Superintendent
Highlights and important updates:
Annual notifications
All families were recently sent a message from the district via Parent Square with information about key district policies, procedures and annual notifications. The message includes instructions families can use to verify they have received and reviewed this information. This is an essential back-to-school step we ask each family to ensure you are well-informed about our district and to ensure a safe and secure learning environment.
Back-to-school 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.
Join our Parent Square groups
Beginning this school year, ParentSquare will be the primary way for district staff and volunteers to connect with families. Whether it’s a reminder about a student club event, a team photo or the next PTA meeting, joining groups will ensure you stay in the loop for school activities that directly affect your family.
Here’s how to find and join groups:
- Log in to ParentSquare on your computer or mobile app.
- On the homepage, look for the “Participate” tab. (You’ll find in in the left-hand menu on the desktop version. Tap the “More” menu at the bottom of your screen for mobile.)
- Select “Groups” to view a list of available groups.
- Click or tap “Join” next to any group that matches programs your child is enrolled in. Some groups –such as the PTA – are open to all community members, whether they are paid/active members or not.
It’s easy! Once you’ve joined, you’ll start receiving important updates sent from groups leaders.
New district policy: Use of personal electronic devices during the school day
New York State Governor Hochul has signed legislation into law aimed at establishing a statewide standard for distraction-free school environments. In response, our district has taken steps to align this new standard with our existing policies.
Per district policy, students are prohibited from using Internet-enabled devices during the school day anywhere on school grounds, though a limited number of education- and health and safety-related exceptions may be allowed.
Learn more about policy on the use of personal electronic devices at school.
Free meals for all students
Beginning this September, all Voorheesville Central School District students will be eligible to receive free breakfast and lunch every school day, thanks to a new state law that expands access to school meals.
While no application is required to receive free meals, we strongly encourage families to complete the 2025-26 free and reduced-price meal application. The information collected through this form helps determine the amount of funding our district receives to support student programs and services.
Families who qualify may also be eligible for benefits such as waivers for AP exams and college applications and discounts on other school-related programs.
Learn more about the free school meals program at VCSD on our website.
Elementary school construction/Capital Project updates
Renovations to our elementary school are moving along – with so much important work behind us and more to come this fall and winter.
- We are pleased to have completed many of the more disruptive aspects of the project this summer, including all needed asbestos abatement.
- We are working to ensure that learning spaces throughout the building are safe and ready for learning. While aspects of the project such as upgrades to the cafeteria, main and administrative offices will continue, these areas will be securely closed off with no access for students, staff or visitors.
- The playground will be open again for students and community visitors as of September.
The remaining aspects of the elementary school project–including new, flexible learning spaces, improvements to the outdoor fields and more–will begin in Summer 2026. All work and construction is designed to improve the health, safety, security and ADA-compliance of the building.
The free-standing transportation facility at the rear of the high school site with an entrance off Martin Road is nearly completed. A grand opening and public open house are being planned for early this fall. Information about the time and date will soon be shared with the school community.
Blackbirds Pride!
Our athletic programs have earned the School of Excellence designation from the New York State Public High School Athletic Association. This honor is awarded to schools where at least 75% of varsity teams achieve academic recognition. We’re proud of our student-athletes, coaches, teachers and families for contributing to excellence both on the field and in the classroom.