RCS High School-Welcome Back!

The RCS High School will be sending a monthly newsletter to families. In these newsletters we are looking to hit on the following areas:

• Communication & Transparency

• Celebrating Students & Staff

• Strengthening School-Home Partnerships

• Building School Culture & Identity

• Promoting Safety & Awareness

• Encouragement & Connection from the Principal and Assistant Principal

We encourage families to contact our office with any questions & concerns as we promote open and quick communication and responses. Below you will find the contact information for both the Principal and Assistant Principal. We look forward to speaking with as many families as possible in the upcoming months.

Principal: Ryan Funck (rfunck@rcscsd.org)

Assistant Principal: Jeffery Artist (jartist@rcscsd.org)

Phone Number: 518-756-5200 X2003

Dear RCS High School Families,

Welcome to a new school year at RCS High School! We are excited to begin this journey together and are looking forward to all the opportunities, growth, and accomplishments that lie ahead. Our students are the heart of everything we do, and we are proud to partner with you in helping them reach their fullest potential.

This year, we encourage families to stay connected and engaged with our school community. One of the best ways to do this is through ParentSquare, where you will find important updates, announcements, and opportunities to connect with administration and staff. Strong communication between school and home is the foundation for student success, and we value your partnership.

We also encourage families to regularly check SchoolTool to stay up-to-date on student progress and grades. By staying connected to your child’s academic journey, you can help celebrate their successes and provide support when needed.

At RCS High School, we want every student to take pride in being a Raven. Pride, responsibility, and community are at the core of who we are, and together we will continue to build a school environment where all students feel supported, challenged, and celebrated.

We are thrilled to welcome your student as a member of the RCS High School community and look forward to an outstanding year filled with growth, achievement, and Raven pride!

With excitement for the year ahead,

Ryan Funck

Principal, RCS High School

Dear RCS Families, Students, and Staff,

I am writing to inform you of an important change regarding the use of cell phones, AirPods/headphones, or smart watches during the school day. In accordance with New York State guidelines, Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk High School will be implementing a no cell phone policy during school hours effective immediately.

Policy Details:

• Students may not use or carry cell phones on their person from 7:30 a.m. – 2:40 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 7:30 a.m. – 2:02 p.m. on Friday. (Phones should be off/silences and in bookbags or lockers at all times during the times listed above)

• If a student is found in violation of this policy, they will be asked to turn their phone into the high school office for the remainder of the school day.

• If a student refuses to turn in their phone, they will be required to call home and make a decision—either to comply with the policy or face disciplinary action for insubordination.

• RCS High School will allow students to use corded headphones plugged into Chromebooks during Study Hall and Lunch periods. (No Airpods, MP3 Players, etc)

Communication with Home:

We understand the importance of communication between families and students. Please know that:

• Students may use the main office phone to contact home if needed.

• Parents/guardians may call the main office at any time. Messages will be delivered to students when they are not in an academic class, unless the matter is an emergency.

The Benefits of a Phone-Free School Day:

While this adjustment may take time, there are many positives to students not having their phones during the school day. Research consistently shows that removing cell phones from the classroom reduces distractions, improves focus, and helps students engage more fully in their learning. Without phones, students are more likely to build stronger in-person connections with peers, participate actively in class, and develop healthier boundaries with technology. Ultimately, this policy supports a safer, more respectful, and academically focused school environment.

It is important to emphasize that this is a New York State policy, not an RCS-specific initiative. We are committed to implementing it fairly and consistently while supporting our students in making this transition.

We appreciate your partnership as we continue to put students’ well-being and academic success first. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the high school office.

Thank you for your continued support of RCS High School

Sincerely,

Ryan Funck
Principal
Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk High School