STEM Week Brings Hands-On Learning to Summer
More than 230 Greater Amsterdam School District students spent part of their summer exploring science, technology, engineering and math during STEM Week at Tecler Elementary School.
The weeklong program, held Aug. 3-7 for students in grades 1-8, gave participants opportunities to learn through hands-on activities centered on creating, experimenting, building and problem-solving. The program was expanded to full-day programming this year, giving students additional time to explore STEM concepts in an engaging environment.
Throughout the week, students took part in activities involving science, engineering, technology and LEGO Robotics. The experiences encouraged students to work together, test ideas and apply problem-solving skills while learning outside of the traditional classroom setting.
STEM Week is part of GASD’s continued effort to expand STEM opportunities across grade levels. During the school year, students can continue building those skills through opportunities such as robotics, elementary LEGO and robotics clubs, science programming and other technology-based learning experiences.
The district has continued to place an emphasis on preparing students for the future by providing opportunities that encourage curiosity, collaboration and creative thinking.
STEM Week also gave students a chance to stay connected to learning during the summer while exploring subjects in new ways.
For GASD, those experiences are part of a larger effort to give students opportunities to discover their interests and build skills they can carry with them into the classroom and beyond.
Rocco Natale Jr. Makes Amsterdam Football History
Amsterdam High School senior Rocco Natale Jr. made New York state football history by becoming the NYSPHSAA all-time career receptions record holder after recording his 233rd career reception against Colonie.
Earlier this fall, Natale recorded seven touchdowns and 429 all-purpose yards against South Glens Falls, including five receiving touchdowns, 253 receiving yards, a kickoff return touchdown and an interception return touchdown. His performance set Amsterdam single-game records for receiving touchdowns and yards, adding to his historic high school career.
Amsterdam Rams Plunge for Special Olympics
The Amsterdam Rams Plunge team will take part in the Polar Plunge on Nov. 21 to support the Special Olympics. Last year, the team raised $18,000, placing first overall and among school teams, and helped send 78 athletes to the state games.
GASD’s K-12 Unified programs provide opportunities for students of all abilities through activities including Young Athletes, Unified physical education, bocce, bowling, basketball and cheer. This year, the team is looking to build on that success and is currently in second place among schools.
Together, the Amsterdam Rams continue to show the power of inclusion, teamwork and community support in creating opportunities for every student to shine.
$50,000 Supports Unified Bocce Pavilion
The Greater Amsterdam School District received $50,000 in state funding this fall to support the addition of a pavilion overlooking the Unified Bocce courts at Amsterdam High School.
Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara presented the funding at the bocce courts as district representatives, students and supporters gathered to recognize the investment.
The pavilion will provide an additional space overlooking the courts for students, families and community members who attend Unified Bocce events.
GASD’s Unified Sports program brings together students with and without intellectual disabilities through athletic opportunities designed to promote inclusion, teamwork and friendship.
The district thanked Santabarbara for securing the funding and recognized Michele Pawlik, Robert Spagnola, Athletic Director John Salls, Superintendent Richard Ruberti, students, families and others who have helped support the growth of the Unified Bocce program.
The investment builds on community fundraising and other efforts that have supported the development of the Amsterdam High School Unified Bocce courts. In June 2025, the district’s annual Community Basketball Game raised $4,000 toward the project.
Exploring the Road Ahead
Amsterdam High School students are getting opportunities at multiple grade levels to begin thinking about life after graduation through career exploration and direct connections with colleges, employers and professionals.
This fall, 85 ninth-grade students traveled to Fulton-Montgomery Community College for Career Con, hosted by HFM BOCES Career and Technical Education.
Career Con brings students from regional school districts together with local employers and professionals representing a variety of career pathways. The event gave Amsterdam freshmen an opportunity to ask questions, learn about different professions and begin considering the education and skills connected to careers that may interest them.
For juniors and seniors, that exploration continued closer to home when Amsterdam High School hosted the CASDA College Fair on Oct. 1.
More than 50 colleges and universities attended the event, along with representatives from the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Navy. Students in grades 11 and 12 were able to speak directly with representatives and learn more about academic programs, career opportunities and options available after high school.
Students also completed a college fair scavenger hunt that encouraged them to visit different representatives and explore institutions they may not have previously considered.
Together, the two experiences demonstrate how career and postsecondary planning can develop throughout a student’s high school experience. Freshmen were introduced to different career fields and professionals, while upperclassmen had opportunities to take a closer look at colleges, military service and other pathways as graduation approaches.
Providing students with opportunities to explore their interests, ask questions and learn about different options is part of GASD’s continued focus on preparing students for the choices and opportunities that come after high school.
Investing in Our Schools
The Greater Amsterdam School District continues to make progress on facility improvements across the district. This fall, construction is underway on new synthetic athletic fields at Amsterdam High School and parking lot improvements at Lynch Middle School, while renovations at Marie Curie Elementary School have been completed.
These projects are part of GASD’s ongoing investment in safe, functional and welcoming spaces for students, staff and the community.
Amsterdam High School: Synthetic Fields
Construction is underway on two synthetic turf fields for soccer, lacrosse, baseball and softball through the voter-approved $12 million capital project. Drainage improvements and upgraded amenities are included, with completion anticipated in spring 2027.
Lynch Middle School: Parking Lot Improvements
Parking lot improvements are underway through a previously approved capital project, addressing parking and site infrastructure needs.
Marie Curie Elementary: Renovations Complete
Completed renovations include new classroom flooring and lighting, an updated front office and other building improvements, providing refreshed spaces for students and staff.
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