Hello Schalmont High School Students and Families,

I hope you are having a wonderful summer. With July quickly coming to a close, the beginning of the school year is fast approaching. To ensure a smooth transition back in September, please find important updates and reminders detailed below.

School Counselors

The Freshman Class of 2030 is assigned to Mr. Loiacono. With many years of experience as a school counselor, Mr. Loiacono is excited to support the Class of 2030 as they begin their high school journey.

Below are the School Counseling assignments for the 2026 – 2027 school year:

• Mr. Loiacano – Grade 9 & Grade 11 (A – L)
• Mrs. Choi – Grade 10 & Grade 11 (M – Z)
• Mrs. Gibbs – Grade 12

Our counselors are committed to supporting students throughout the year. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions.

Student Schedules

Starting Tuesday, September 1, student schedules will be accessible online through both Schoology and the eSchool Parent Portal. Additionally, printed versions will be distributed during first period/homeroom on the first day of school. Please make sure you know your first period classroom location prior to the first day of school.

Arrival & Dismissal Procedures

Bus Riders: Buses will unload at 7:25 a.m. at the front loop. Students should enter and wait in the cafeteria until the first period warning bell at 7:38 a.m.

• Drop-Offs: Student drop-off will remain in the rear loop (Door 13), beginning at 7:20 a.m.
• Student Drivers: Parking remains in the designated student lot. Students may enter through the main entrance (Door 1) beginning at 7:25 a.m.
• Dismissal and Pick-Up: Students are dismissed at 2:15 PM. Bus pick-up takes place in the front loop, while parent pick-up remains in the rear loop.

Freshman Walk-Through Event

We are pleased to host a freshman walk-through event on Thursday, September 3, from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. This provides incoming freshmen the chance to explore their new environment, follow their academic schedules, and find their lockers and classrooms. Additionally, student mentors will guide participants through engaging small group activities.

Additional details will be shared with families in the upcoming weeks.

Back to School Orientation (Grades 9–12)

During the first few days of school, students will participate in brief orientation sessions covering:

• Academic integrity
• Digital citizenship
• School-wide expectations

The schedule for the orientation programs will be shared upon returning to school.

School Supplies

Supply lists are available on the District Website. If you have any questions, please contact the HS Main Office at (518) 355-6110.

Open House

The High School Open House will take place on Wednesday, September 30 at 6:00 p.m. We look forward to welcoming families to campus and sharing important information about the school year. Additional details will be shared as the date approaches.

Attendance & Engagement

Daily, punctual attendance is vital for maximizing instructional time and fostering student success. Both research and experience demonstrate that regular attendance is strongly linked to improved learning outcomes. By establishing consistent attendance habits during the first month, students set a positive tone for the rest of the school year.

Please note that instruction begins promptly at 7:40 a.m. every day, with learning activities starting immediately. We expect all students to arrive on time, attend daily, and come prepared to learn. However, we understand that family emergencies and illnesses arise, so please remember to contact the office if your student will be late or absent.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Enjoy the rest of your summer and we look forward to seeing everyone soon.

Thank you,

Matthew Heckman
Executive Principal
Schalmont Middle & High School
(518) 355-6110