The Greater Amsterdam School District

Dear MCI Families, We are excited to invite you to Jungle Journey Through the Rainforest — a special STEAM-themed evening hosted by MCI! Date: Monday, May 20 Time: 5:00–6:30 p.m. Location: MCI This fun-filled event will include: • A student art show • Hands-on, student-centered activities • Appetizers (while food lasts!) Please note: Students must be accompanied by an adult. We hope to see you there for this jungle-inspired evening of creativity, exploration, and fun!

Happy National Assistant Principals Week (April 7–11)! Here at GASD, we’re sending a huge THANK YOU to our incredible assistant principals for everything they do. From supporting staff and encouraging students to fostering a welcoming school environment and tackling each day’s challenges head-on, they truly help keep our schools running strong. We’re so lucky to have such passionate and dedicated leaders in our corner—your hard work never goes unnoticed! You’re the MVPs of multitasking — and we appreciate you every day!

Dear Parents & Guardians, Please come see AHS Drama Club’s production of HADESTOWN: Teen Edition. "Hadestown" is a modern musical by Anaïs Mitchell that reimagines the ancient Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. Set in an industrialized world, it follows the young lovers as they navigate the underworld, ruled by the enigmatic Hades and his wife Persephone. With a rich, folksy score blending jazz, blues, and Broadway styles, "Hadestown" explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the struggle for freedom. It won multiple Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and has captivated audiences with its haunting melodies and compelling storytelling. Performance Dates IN PERSON ATTENDANCE ONLY Price is $12 per ticket at the door. There will also be concessions available for purchase before the show starts and during intermission. Show Shirts will also be available for purchase! Show Times: Friday April 4, 7 p.m., AHS Auditorium Saturday April 5, 7 p.m., AHS Auditorium Sunday April 6, 2 p.m., AHS Auditorium

Join us in celebrating World Down Syndrome Day by wearing brightly colored, bold, or mismatched socks this Friday, March 21!

Hello! A reminder to our Selected (Most Select Chorus Students) Students for All County that the All County Music Festival is this Saturday March 1st, 2025. Students are to arrive at 8:15 to the high school. Concert Starts at 3PM, Tickets are $5 for the concert. Most Chorus student should be done by 4:30 that day. All County Students are to wear either a plain black tshirt/long sleeve/All County shirt and dark bottoms for the concert. The AHS Chorus Booster club is also hosting and selling lunch for the Montgomery All County Music Festival on Saturday March 1st at AHS. In order to accommodate near 300 students attending, we are need of donations to make this possible. All proceeds from sales go to support the Booster Club. We have a sign up genius below, and every little bit helps!!! If you are able to donate we would greatly appreciate it! All items are due by Wednesday 02/26/25 to the Chorus Room! If you can't bring it tomorrow please let us know as we will still gladly accept donations. https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/10C0B4FAAAD29A4FCC34-55125094-allcounty Thank you and as always if you have any questions please let me know!

Rhythm, Culture, and Celebration! Last week, Amsterdam High School was alive with energy as we welcomed Jordan Taylor Hill for an unforgettable performance! His powerful blend of music, storytelling, and African drumming brought history to life, perfectly aligning with our Black History Month celebrations. Our students were captivated, inspired, and moving to the beat—what a way to honor culture and creativity! 🥁🎶✨ #GASD

Big News for Amsterdam Football! Amsterdam sophomore Rocco Natale Jr. was named to the Honorable Mention All-State football team for Class A by the New York State Sportswriters Association! Rocco had an incredible season with 53 receptions for 866 yards and 9 touchdowns, averaging 16.3 yards per catch and 86.6 yards per game. His longest reception? A jaw-dropping 94 yards! He even threw a 26-yard touchdown pass! Congrats, Rocco—Amsterdam is proud of you! 🐏🎉 #GASD

Dear GASD Community, The GASD Board of Education will be held today at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 15 in the Media Center of the Amsterdam High School. The meeting is open to the public. Prior to the start of the board meeting the GASD Audit Committee will meet to review the 2024-25 internal audit by MMB at 5 p.m. This meeting will be held in the B-Lecture room at Amsterdam High School. The meeting will also be live streamed on the GASD YouTube channel and at this link: https://www.youtube.com/live/QNUDO_vUbxc Sincerely, Richard Ruberti GASD Superintendent of Schools

A huge thank you to Bethany Schumann McGhee and Elk’s Lodge 101 of Amsterdam for their incredible donation of hygiene supplies to support the GASD Family Advocate Closet! This generous contribution will make a meaningful difference for students and families in our community. We also want to give a special shoutout to the AHS Athletic Leadership Club and the GASD Inclusion Squad for their teamwork in helping unload the donation—your efforts are truly appreciated! #GASD

Congratulations to Mrs. Twardy’s Pre-K class and Mrs. Barone & Mrs. Harrington’s 1st-grade class at Tecler Elementary for tying as November’s attendance champs with an impressive 97% average! 🏆🎉 Way to stay healthy, motivated, and ready to learn every day! 📚💪✨

Dear Parents & Guardians, We’re excited to announce the Marie Curie’s 9th Annual Winter Craft Show & Farmer’s Market, happening on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 9 Brice Street, Amsterdam, NY. This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a day of local shopping and community fun! Crafters & Vendors: Explore a variety of talented crafters and independent consultants offering unique holiday gifts. Farmers Market: Stock up on delicious local products, including grassfed beef and pork, micro-greens, raw honey, maple syrup, sourdough starters, cookies, jams, and more! Holiday Photos: Capture the season with a professional holiday photo by Arieonna Abeling Photography for just $20 per photo. Photos will be professionally edited and delivered via email within 72 hours. (Santa photos available!) Come for breakfast, stay for lunch, and get a head start on your holiday shopping! We hope to see you there!

Dear Parents and Guardians, We are excited to announce the Christmas Stocking Tree 2024 Sign-Up at Amsterdam Methodist Church! Please see below for important details regarding dates, requirements, and eligibility for families interested in signing up to receive gifts for children this holiday season. Sign-Up Location: Amsterdam Methodist Church 347 Golf Course Road Amsterdam, NY 12010 Eligibility: Applicants must reside in the City of Amsterdam or nearby towns. Dates & Times to Sign Up for Toys: Thursday, Nov. 14, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. & 1 - 3:00 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. & 1 - 3:00 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. & 1 - 3:00 p.m. Age Limit for Gifts: Children ages 15 and under will be signed up for toys. We are requesting gift donations for older children but cannot guarantee availability. Required Documents at Sign-Up: You must bring the following: Proof of Income: Pay stubs, unemployment benefits, public assistance, social security benefits, or child support benefits. Identification for Everyone in the Household: This may include a current NY State benefits card or ID, driver’s license, health insurance ID, or custody papers (to identify the legal custodian). Proof of Address Please note: Social Security cards cannot be used as ID. Important Note: The Amsterdam Methodist Church will share the list of names with other agencies to ensure families only receive help from one agency. With many families in need, this helps support as many children as possible during the Christmas season. Toy Pick-Up: You will receive an appointment time for toy pick-up on the day you apply. Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas!

A heartfelt THANK YOU to Steet Toyota of Johnstown for their generous donation of winter gear to all the elementary schools in our district! Your thoughtfulness and support mean so much to our students and staff here in Amsterdam. Thank you for thinking of us and helping to keep our kids warm this winter! Together, we are making a difference in our community! 💙❄️ #GASD

Mrs. Mazzone’s Chemistry students dove into spooky science, exploring physical and chemical changes with Halloween-themed labs! They torched a “magic wand,” summoned “monster foam” with Big Foot’s Dandruff (baking soda) and Swamp Thing’s Blood (green vinegar), and dissolved styrofoam “ghosts” in acetone. Science has never been this frightfully fun! 🎃👻 #GASD

This week at the NYSSBA Annual Convention in NYC, Dr. Nellie A. Bush officially received the Everett R. Dyer Award for Distinguished School Board Service! We couldn’t be more proud of her dedication to our students, staff, and community. Her passion for education and tireless work on the Board of Education have left a lasting impact on so many lives. Here’s the special moment she received the award! Join us in congratulating Dr. Bush on this incredible achievement! 👏🎉📸 #GASD

Dear Parents and Guardians, We are excited to invite you and your family to the sixth Annual Pumpkin Smash, happening on Saturday, Nov. 2., at Veteran’s Park! Event Details: Location: 205 Locust Ave, Amsterdam, NY Drop-off Starts: 9:00 a.m. Pumpkin Smash: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Activities Include: Smash or toss pumpkins at spiked targets Enjoy cider and donuts Face painting for kids Take a family photo at our selfie station Pumpkin bowling and game tables All smashed pumpkins will go to feed pigs at the Tylutki Family Farm. Jack O’Lanterns and other organic decorations will be composted by Grow Amsterdam’s Compost Works initiative, helping to grow food in our community gardens. Thank you to Target for sponsoring this event! If you have any questions, please contact Grow Amsterdam at 518-620-1802 or by email at growamsterdamny@gmail.com. We hope to see you there!

Dear Parents & Guardians, The Class of 2027 will be hosting a fun and creative fundraiser, and we would love for you to join us! Event Details: What: Whipped Candle Making Class (choose your scents, colors, toppings, and décor) When: Wednesday, Nov. 13 from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16 from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Cost: $30 per person Seats: 16 seats available per day Note: You must prepay via Venmo or CashApp to reserve your spot. If you’re interested in reserving a seat, please message “Get Wick’d Candle Co.” to secure your spot. Don’t wait too long, as space is limited! This event promises to be a wonderful opportunity to create something unique while supporting our Class of 2027! Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to seeing you there.

Exciting News! Dr. Nellie A. Bush is being honored with NYSSBA’s Everett R. Dyer Award for Distinguished School Board Service! 🎉 With 13 years of dedication to GASD, Dr. Bush has made an incredible impact on our students and community. Join us in celebrating this amazing achievement! 👏 #GASD

Have you always dreamed of being a teacher? HFM BOCES and Utica University can MAKE IT HAPPEN. Full scholarship opportunities are available. Apply by Oct. 15 to get started: https://bit.ly/teacherapprenticeshipprogram #GASD

The Greater Amsterdam School District Newsletter - Fall 2024: https://5il.co/2y2hp