Water leak triggered fire alarm at HS/MS

Monday, April 16—At approximately 10:40 a.m. today, a water leak triggered the fire alarm system at the High School/Middle School complex. Students and staff evacuated the building while the Glens Falls Fire Department investigated, and all returned to the building once it was confirmed to be safe. We thank the GFFD for its speedy and thorough response, as always.

National Honor Society service projects give back to community

Students in the Glens Falls High School chapter of National Honor Society have completed several service projects this spring, resulting in a big boost to children in our local community and beyond. In February, student scholars donated $200-worth of children's books to the annual Project Cameron's Story "bookraiser." [ MORE ]

Glens Falls Odyssey team heading to state competition

A GF Odyssey of the Mind team is headed to the state competition after winning their division in regionals last weekend! The team of Ellie Paigo, Lucy Paigo, Aubrie Spencer, Nick Marsh, Nicholas Candido, Rebecca McPhee, and Fiona Poole will take their creative “Mockumentary” of Peter Pan to the state finals in Binghamton on April 7th. [ MORE ]

International Activity Night is a hit at Jackson Heights

The High School's International Action Club sponsored its second International Activity Night at Jackson Heights Elementary School on March 9th. With the help of 25 high school volunteers, the elementary students explored games and crafts from several countries including Ghana, Peru, Great Britain, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, and China. [ MORE ]

GFHS seniors help honor individuals in American Legion Speaker Series

On February 28, five Glens Falls High School seniors took part in the American Legion Speaker Series "Liberation From Nazis." Alyssa Fairchild sang the "Star Spangled Banner" to open the program and "God Bless America" to close it. Jacob Harmon introduced the program and Emily Derrick, Tess Harrington, and Walton Stanton presented the World War II stories of local immigrants. [ MORE ]

Peyton Catarelli and Sean Pettis: two of the state's best saxophonists!

Two very talented saxophonists— Peyton Catarelli and Sean Pettis— traveled to Liverpool, NY earlier this month to perform in the New York State Band Directors Association (NYSBDA) annual Winter Symposium. [ MORE ]

Glens Falls students honor victims of school shootings in Parkland and across the country

In a student-led tribute to the victims of school shootings in Parkland, Florida and across the country, hundreds of Glens Falls high-schoolers walked out of their classrooms and assembled together in remembrance on Wednesday, March 14th. Just after 10 a.m., students streamed out of a side door at Glens Falls High School, and peacefully marched around the front of the building, supported by school staff members and multiple officers from the Glens Falls Police Department who were on hand to ensure student safety. [ MORE ]

Kristy Moore to serve as next GFMS Principal

Educational leader Kristy Moore is set to become Glens Falls Middle School’s next principal as of July 1, 2018. The Board of Education appointed Mrs. Moore to the position at its meeting Monday night. She currently serves as Principal of Geyser Road Elementary School in Saratoga Springs, with previous experience as an assistant principal at both Dorothy Nolan Elementary and Queensbury Middle School. [ MORE ]

Rachel Duell wins a Post Star 2018 Teen Excellence Award!

Congratulations to Glens Falls High School senior Rachel Duell who has been named a Post Star’s 2018 Teen Excellence Award winner! "Rachel is so deserving of this recognition," said Mrs. Silvernell. "She generously gives her time and energy to others in need."  [ MORE ]

Bridging the Falls Middle School Orchestra Concert: Tuesday, 3/13 at 7 p.m.

On Tuesday, March 13th, Grades 6-8 orchestras from Glens Falls, Hudson Falls, and South Glens Falls school districts will be performing a community concert together in the Glens Falls High School Auditorium. Reestablishing a tradition that ended in the late 90’s, the five individual ensembles will each perform one piece before combining together for the two final pieces. With a total of 192 middle school orchestra students, this concert will help to demonstrate the support and vitality of the orchestra programs in our “Falls“ districts! The concert begins at 7:00pm. All are welcome! Logo design by GFHS junior Jessie Taylor.

Joseph Girard III named Gatorade NY Boys Basketball Player of the Year

GFHS junior Joseph Girard III has been named the 2017-18 Gatorade New York Boys Basketball Player of the Year! A two-time First Team All-State honoree, he was also the Albany Times Union Player of the Year, the Foothills Council League MVP and a MaxPreps Second Team Sophomore All-American. [ MORE ]

Drama Club presents: You Can't Beat the House!
March 15 + 16 at 7 p.m.

Next weekend, the High School Drama Club presents “You Can’t Beat The House,” a comedy about robbers who accidentally break into a house that is for sale and then pose as real estate agents after they find themselves stuck in the house with potential buyers. [ MORE ]

Red and Black supports Red and Blue: SHMD donation

GF Nation is proud to send $2,000 to South High Marathon Dance as a result of fundraising efforts from the entire school community, spearheaded by Student Council, International Club, GFTA, and the Grandstanders!! [ MORE ]

5th Grade Girls Basketball celebrates season by giving back

The Glens Falls 5th Grade Girls basketball team took their season-end "party" to the Code Blue Shelter this weekend! After playing two games in a tournament on Saturday, March 3, the team decided to celebrate by making a full dinner for guests at Glens Falls' downtown emergency homeless shelter. [ MORE ]

Teamwork leads 4th Grade Boys Basketball to tournament wins

Teamwork by a great group of kids from Jackson Heights, Big Cross, and Kensington Road elementaries made for a super season in 4th Grade Boys Basketball! [ MORE ]

Addressing school safety: an open letter from Superintendent Paul Jenkins

The tragedy in Parkland, Florida has prompted a national and local debate on school safety. While these discussions take place, our educators and staff will continue to prepare as thoroughly as possible to respond to any emergency situation. Our efforts persist as we work together to ‘provide a safe, positive and stimulating environment’ for our students, through the use of emergency drills, staff trainings, and continued review of protocols for building security. [ MORE ]

Art Club paints arctic scene for Prospect Center

The GFHS Art Club recently designed and painted a mural for the Prospect Center in Queensbury! The mural, which is stunning in both size and complexity, depicts an arctic scene, complete with polar bears, penguins, icebergs and the Northern Lights. [ MORE ]

Sophomores Sam Bordeau and Katie Culliton headed to states in Nordic

Congratulations to state qualifiers Sam Bordeau and Katie Culliton, and all of Glens Falls’ skiers who participated in the Section II Nordic skiing championships at Gore Mountain! Top finishers included Katie Culliton (23:14.5), Sarah Burton (24:26.5), Sam Bordeau (29:28.3), Paul Trackey (30:50.4), and Ethan Schrammel (31:55.0). [ MORE ]

Preliminary budget forecast shows gap between revenues and expenditures for 2018-2019

“Expenditure growth and revenue stagnation” set the landscape for initial 2018-2019 budget development, Assistant Superintendent for Business Bobby Yusko told the Board of Education on Feb 12th, as he outlined a preliminary budget scenario that would create a $2 million gap between revenues and expenditures in 2018-2019. Early scenarios do not include any reductions in program or services, do not account for application of fund balance, and utilize refined state aid estimates based on the Governor's Executive Budget proposal. [ MORE ]

BOCES Summer Enrichment registration open

BOCES hosts a number of summer enrichment experiences for students in grades 2-12, including a farm-to-table culinary camp, theater and dance camps, robotics, international culture exploration, and more! Parents must pay program registration fees and provide their own transportation to and from camp locations. Read the details and register [ HERE ].

MS students "suit up" during Global Foundries Ambassadors' visit

Thanks to the Global Foundries Ambassadors who visited on Feb 6th, seventh-graders at the Middle School got to try on these “bunny suits” that microchip manufacturers wear in the clean rooms at Fab 8 in Malta! [ MORE ]

Glens Falls' graduation rate jumps to 87 percent in latest NYSED data

The New York State Education Department has released data for 2017 that shows Glens Falls’ graduation rate improving to 87 percent—up from 79 percent in 2016. “We are very proud of the gains our students have made over the last few years, especially the increase in our graduation rate,” said Superintendent Paul Jenkins. “We have steadily increased over time, but last year was our largest jump in our graduation rate. [ MORE ]

2018 Founders' Day Awards: Meet the honorees

The Parent Teacher Student Associations at each school are proud to present the 2018 winners of the Founders' Day Awards! These awards celebrate committed parent volunteers and/or staff members from each school. Each honoree has been selected to recognize his or her service and dedication to go above and beyond for the students of Glens Falls City Schools. Read about 2018's honorees [ HERE ]

Joseph Girard III breaks NYS boys career scoring record

During the January 30th varsity game at Amsterdam, Glens Falls junior Joseph Girard III broke New York State’s all-time boys basketball scoring record of 2,946 points, a mark previously held by NBA star Lance Stephenson. When the game ended, Joseph's career scoring total was 2,952 points—and it will grow! Congratulations, Joe! Read more and see video clips of the game in the Daily Gazette article [ HERE ].

Universal Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten registration beginning

The Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) program is a free, half-day, full-year program for four-year olds. Entry into the UPK class is determined by lottery each spring. Lottery forms are due by April 12, 2018. Read more about the UPK lottery application [ HERE ].
Kindergarten students must be five years old by December 1, 2018 in order to start school in September. Registration for new kindergarten students is held at Kindergarten Round-Up events at each elementary school in March:
  • Jackson Heights: March 21, 2018 - call Stacy Frandsen at 518-792-1071 to make your appointment
  • Big Cross: March 22, 2018 - call Patty Farrell at 518-792-2619 to make your appointment
  • Kensington Rd: March 23, 2018 - call Kathy Thomson at 518-793-5151 to make your appointment
Read more about kindergarten registration [ HERE ].

Glens Falls residents vote “Yes” on land purchase plan

Glens Falls City School District residents approved a plan to purchase property adjacent to the schools’ bus garage today by a margin of 314 "yes" votes to 127 “no” votes – a 71.2 percent approval rate. The proposition allows the Board of Education to buy the land and structures at 35 Glenwood Avenue, which is the parcel immediately north of the bus garage facility at 31 Glenwood. The district will acquire the land at its appraised value of $240,000, plus reasonable and customary closing costs and expenses. [ MORE ]

All 10 Fall Varsity teams earn Scholar Athlete status

All ten of Glens Falls’ Varsity sports teams in the Fall 2017 season have achieved Scholar Athlete status! Scholar-Athlete Team recognition is an honor given by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) to recognize teams that excel academically [ MORE ]

SWAT Team members school regional superintendents

Students Willing to Assist with Technology (SWAT) team members Brady Steinberg, Miguel Marrero, Brandon Gray, and Keegan McCane took questions from school superintendents around the Capital Region at NERIC's regional tech awareness day. [ MORE ]

Lauren Hauser sings in All-State Choir; Seven students perform in Area All-State

In Rochester this weekend, GFHS junior Lauren Hauser is singing with the best musicians from around New York State! The performance comes on the heels of yet another accolade for Lauren and six of her fellow student-musicians at Glens Falls High. [ MORE ]

Sean Pettis and Meghan Siergiey to perform in Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

Watch for two of Glens Falls’ most talented musicians in this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade! Sophomore Sean Pettis will play saxophone in a repeat performance with the Great American Marching Band, while junior Meghan Siergiey is making her parade debut as a dancer. [ MORE ]

25 new members inducted into National Honor Society

The Glens Falls High School Chapter of National Honor society welcomed Justina Aiken, John Andre, Matelyn Benway, Luke Borgos, McKenna Clark, Taylor Colvin, Olivia Dybas, Joseph Girard, Liam Gormley, Lauren Hauser, Hannah Hawkins, Griffin Jones, Scott Jones, Drew Knapp, Coleman Leland, Stephanie Meehan, Claudia Miner, Catherine Montgomery, Marlee Pelton-Fuentes, Shyeann Rawson, Madison Redmond, Meghan Siergiey, Brienna Vassar, Callie Woodell, and Jacqueline Young. [ MORE ]

Celebrating Education Support Professionals during American Education Week, November 13-17, 2017

Glens Falls City School District celebrates national American Education Week by highlighting our “school superheroes” whose various careers touch the lives of our students and pave the way for success. Education Support Professionals—our teacher aides, teaching assistants, secretaries, custodians, and many other team members—play a crucial role in every school building, every day. Friday's honoree is Diane Ogden, Attendance Clerk at Big Crossl! [ MORE ]

Runner Chris Hughes wins State XC Championship

Congrats to our STATE CHAMPION runner, Chris Hughes!! The Glens Falls senior ran away from the field to capture the Class C boys title at the State Cross Country Championships on Nov. 11th. We're so proud of Chris, bringing home our first individual state title in Cross Country running!! Read more and see a video of him crossing the finish line [ HERE ]

Swimmers take home patches at Sectionals

Way to go, GF Swimming! Kailyn Anselment finished third in the 200 free and 500 free, and Emma Mauro was third in the 100 breaststroke at the Sectional Championship meet on Nov. 4th. Glens Falls was third in the medley relay and fourth in the 200 free relay, both times with a team of Madison Maier, Emma Mauro, Kailyn Anselment and Ella Wolfstich. Emma was  sixth in the 50 free. Ella was fourth in the 50 free and fifth in the 100 free. Rowan Davidson was eighth in the 500 free. Congrats on these great swims!!

Podium finishes for GF runners in Sectionals

CONGRATULATIONS to Cross-Country runners Chris Hughes and Katie Culliton! Chris is Section 2 Class C CHAMPION after running the Saratoga Spa State Park course on Friday, Nov. 3. Katie placed third in the girls' race, and both are qualified for the State Cross Country Championships on Nov. 11. Way to go!

Student-musicians perform in All-County band ensembles

Seventeen of Glens Falls’ student-musicians had the honor of performing in the SWCMEA All-County Band Festival. High School students selected include Cailin Harrington, Emily Lunt, Eben McGee-Bierman, Nick Teta, Jacob Harmon, Tess Harrington, Scotty Jones, Sean Pettis, Meghan Siergiey, and Trevor Britton. [ MORE ]

District-wide "Pink-Out" raises awareness of breast cancer

The "Power of Pink" was on display Thursday, October 19th at all Glens Falls City Schools. Students and staff members wore pink and donated coins to the "Pennies for Pink" effort to honor breast cancer survivors, fighters, and families ... and support research, awareness, and hope. [ PHOTO GALLERY ]

High and Middle Schools conduct lockdown drill with help from law enforcement

Officers and K-9 teams from multiple law enforcement agencies were on site at the High School/Middle School campus on Wednesday, Oct. 18th, as the buildings conducted a lockdown drill—in which students and staff practice the emergency response procedures for an internal threat. [ MORE ]

Join an Odyssey of the Mind team! (Or Coach!)

Would your kids like to create an original performance that includes a ride-on vehicle that takes part in a “triathlon?” How about telling a story (with no words!) about a once-famous, but now forgotten, emoji? These endeavors (and more) are challenges in this year's Odyssey of the Mind competition. Teams are forming now - email Asst. Supt. for Curriculum & Instruction, Trent Clay for more details [ HERE ].

2017-18 School district calendars

The detailed school year calendar is no longer mailed to every postal address in the City. A copy is included in each family packet for current students, and any Glens Falls City School District resident may request a calendar by calling the district office at 792-1481. You can download it [ HERE ] as a PDF. A one-page printable version of the calendar that includes school breaks, holidays, and Regents exam days can be downloaded [ HERE ].

Glens Falls High: 2017 Silver Award from U.S. News and World Report

Congratulations to the entire school community on GFHS earning ANOTHER Silver medal from U.S. News in its Best High Schools 2017 rankings! Glens Falls High School placed 180th within New York (#2289 in the National Rankings) and earned another silver medal, following our 2016 silver award. Schools are ranked based on their performance on state-required tests and how well they prepare students for college. Read more on our U.S. News overview page [ HERE ].

Take a continuing education course at SUNY ADK

The district's mission statement includes "modeling the behavior of life-long learning" ... so sign up today for an adult continuing education course at SUNY Adirondack! Registration is now open for classes throughout the fall semester. For a description of offerings, click [ HERE ].

Congratulations, Glens Falls Class of 2017!

Family, friends, and faculty celebrated the 150 graduates of the Class of 2017 on Saturday afternoon—and a 92 percent graduation rate for this Glens Falls Class! "Seek out your support group and ask for help when you need it," said Superintendent Paul Jenkins. "Whether that group is your family or your friends, reach out to them and I guarantee they will be there and they will all be willing to lend a hand. We are all very proud of each of you and all of your accomplishments over the years." A photo gallery of some graduation moments is available [ HERE ]. The ceremony was live-streamed in its entirety, and the uncut video is available to view [ HERE ]. Congratulations, graduates!!

You can make a difference with GF Nation Fund

Attention Alumni and Friends of Glens Falls Schools: There’s a new way to help and support our students. Take a minute and visit www.gfnationfund.org and see what we are all about. YOU can make a difference simply by signing in and becoming part of our outreach network. Having a reunion or gathering? We would love to know about it. And, please get the word out. WE NEED YOU!

Educator scores available to parents and guardians

Under education law, parents and guardians of students may request the final quality rating and composite effectiveness score for each teacher and the principal of the school to which their child is assigned for the current school year. Read the process to request APPR ratings and scores [ HERE ]