Academics
Preschool Academics
The Universal Pre-K program in the GASD aims to assure all 3- and 4 year-old children receive quality care that promotes their development and readiness for Kindergarten. Currently, there are five preschool classes in the district that serve students at each of the district’s elementary schools. Registration is ongoing, but officially begins the summer prior.
The Greater Amsterdam School District offers Pre-K programs at the following locations:
William Barkley School, 66 Destefano Ave, Amsterdam, NY 12010
R J Mcnulty Academy For International Studies, 60 Brandt Pl, Amsterdam, NY 12010
William B Tecler Elementary School, 210 Northern Blvd, Amsterdam, NY 12010
Marie Curie Elementary School, 9 Brice St, Amsterdam, NY 12010
Whispering Pines Preschool, 40 Henrietta Blvd, Amsterdam, NY 12010
All of these programs are supported, in part, by the Universal Pre-Kindergarten Grant, except the program at McNulty Academy. District-supported Pre-Kindergarten classes are offered free of charge as a full-day program to eligible students. The district no longer offers bus transportation to school for Pre-K students. Parents/guardians will be responsible for dropping off and picking up their children at school. No exceptions.
Elementary Academics
Full-day, district Kindergarten to Grade 5 classes are housed at the four elementary schools in the district. Each school has its own magnet theme incorporated into regular daily instruction and activities. These schools include:
William Barkley School, 66 Destefano Ave, Amsterdam, NY 12010
Marie Curie Elementary School, 9 Brice St, Amsterdam, NY 12010
R J Mcnulty Academy For International Studies, 60 Brandt Pl, Amsterdam, NY 12010
William B Tecler Elementary School, 210 Northern Blvd, Amsterdam, NY 12010
Transportation is provided to any elementary school that is more than one mile from a child’s home, as determined by the District. Please contact any of the elementary schools listed above for more information about the Magnet Programs.
The district’s four elementary schools pride themselves on having an educational program that allows every student to grow and succeed. In addition to favorable class sizes, dedicated staff and active parents, each school offers a variety of programs that incorporate the skills students need for success throughout their education.
Middle School Academics
Lynch Literacy Academy provides a nurturing environment, which promotes student success, embraces diversity and fosters a sense of community for all.
Students are encouraged to be responsible citizens equipped with the necessary skills to face the challenges of the future as accomplished learners and leaders. To accomplish this, the middle school has a team-teaching approach, combined with strong counseling and support.
High School Academics
The wide variety of programs and opportunities available to Amsterdam High School ensure students become well-rounded individuals who are college and career ready.
Academic Departments
The Greater Amsterdam School District believes that all students can and should learn, and strives to ensure its learning standards align with those of New York State Department of Education.
The district has implemented the New York State Learning Standards and has adjusted its goals to reflect a commitment to improving student achievement through staff development, increased parent involvement and engagement of the business community.
GASD is focused on building upon the success of its efforts to increase student performance in reading and raising the graduation rate.
Career Development and Occupational Studies (CDOS)
The CDOS Department at the Greater Amsterdam School District uses the following four standards:
Standard 1: Career Development
Students will be knowledgeable about the world of work, explore career options, and relate personal skills, aptitudes, and abilities to future career decisions.
Standard 2: Integrated Learning
Students will demonstrate how academic knowledge and skills are applied in the workplace and other settings.
Standard 3: Universal Foundation Skills
Students will demonstrate mastery of the foundation skills and competencies essential for success in the workplace.
Standard 4: Career Majors
Students who choose a career major will acquire the career-specific technical knowledge/skills necessary to progress toward gainful employment, career advancement, and success in postsecondary programs.
Academic Supports
Academic Intervention Services/ Response to Intervention
Greater Amsterdam School District utilizes a Response to Intervention (RTI) Plan to ensure that all students’ progress toward meeting New York State learning standards. The district’s RTI Plan systematically uses New York State Assessment data, along with universal screening results to provide instruction/interventions to students while monitoring their progress. The universal screenings occur three times during the school year (fall, winter, and spring). Students that receive interventions are also progress monitored regularly and supports/interventions are provided accordingly during instruction.
The district’s Response to Interventions (RTI) Plan is accessible on the district website and includes the criteria and process for determining students who must receive RTI services, as well as Academic Intervention Services. Specifically, the district plan weighs students’ performance on New York State Assessments along with STAR Benchmarking results to determine which students receive Academic Intervention Services.
If you have questions regarding our RTI or AIS Plans, please feel free to contact students’ teachers, principals, as well as district level administration in the Office of Testing and Academics.