PCS High School

NYSPHSAA Boys Class B State Tournament Semifinal Round - Potsdam vs. Burke Catholic - Friday, March 19th 6:45 PM at the Glens Falls Civic Center. Listen Live on 99.3 FM

Glen Falls Post Star Up to the Minute Coverage

Welcome to Potsdam High School!

Joann Chambers, Principal jchambers@potsdam.k12.ny.us 29 Leroy Street Potsdam, NY 13676 315-265-2000 ext. 809 Fax 315-265-8134	Tournament Brackets

Potsdam High School

Joann Chambers, Principal
jchambers@potsdam.k12.ny.us
29 Leroy Street
Potsdam, NY 13676
315-265-2000 ext. 809
Fax 315-265-8134

Tournament Brackets

SPORTS	Recent Student Activities	Adopt a Platoon

Key Club Raises Money for Haiti

The Potsdam High School Key Club responded to the disaster in Haiti with two events. The first was "I Support Haiti Day." Students had an opportunity to donate $1.00 during lunch on Friday, January 29th. Each student who donated was asked to sign a card. The cards were displayed in the hallway outside the cafeteria. High School students and staff donated $71.00. The second event was a Fun Night at the Middle School for 5th and 6th grade students. Key Club members provided activities in the gym, as well a DJ (Alias Mr. Baxter) in the cafeteria. Students were chatged a $5.00 admission for the 3 hour event. Refreshments were also available. Over 100 students attended. After expenses and with the addition of the "I Support Haiti." donations, the Potsdam High School Key Club is able to make a donation of $400 to the American Red Cross Haitian Relief Fund. PHS Key Club Fun Night Slideshow

Key Club Raises Money for Haiti

The Potsdam High School Key Club responded to the disaster in Haiti with two events. The first was "I Support Haiti Day." Students had an opportunity to donate $1.00 during lunch on Friday, January 29th. Each student who donated was asked to sign a card. The cards were displayed in the hallway outside the cafeteria. High School students and staff donated $71.00.

The second event was a Fun Night at the Middle School for 5th and 6th grade students. Key Club members provided activities in the gym, as well a DJ (Alias Mr. Baxter) in the cafeteria. Students were chatged a $5.00 admission for the 3 hour event. Refreshments were also available. Over 100 students attended. After expenses and with the addition of the "I Support Haiti." donations, the Potsdam High School Key Club is able to make a donation of $400 to the American Red Cross Haitian Relief Fund.

PHS Key Club Fun Night Slideshow

Alexis Tischler to Attend the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY) Seminar

Potsdam High School is proud to be sending a student to the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY) Seminar at SUNY Oswego from June 4 - 6, 2010. Alexis Tischler will join the ranks of 365,000 sophomores who have participated in these fun and exciting leadership seminars over the past 52 years.

HOBY’s widely acclaimed international program began in 1958 when actor Hugh O’Brian returned from Africa, inspired by a nine-day visit spent working and talking with Dr. Albert Schweitzer. Two weeks after his return to the U.S., O’Brian, who was portraying legendary lawman Wyatt Earp on television, decided to make his own contribution to society by establishing Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership. He chose youth leadership as the most promising enterprise that HOBY could promote.

HOBY’s Mission is to provide lifelong leadership development opportunities that empower individuals to achieve their highest potential. Its Vision is to motivate and empower individuals to make a positive difference within our global society, through understanding and action, based on effective and compassionate leadership. The Core Values of the program include: Volunteerism, Excellence, Organizational Integrity, Diversity, Innovative Thinking Community Partnership, Lifelong Learning Leadership Opportunities.

For nearly five decades, HOBY has worked diligently at helping young people make a difference and become positive catalysts for change in the home, school, workplace and community. As one of the nation’s foremost youth leadership development organizations, HOBY is respected worldwide and is recognized on college entrance applications. Through HOBY’s unique and highly interactive weekend programs, we introduce high school sophomores to distinguished leaders of the community from various sectors such as business, technology, education, government, arts, and science. Through intense but informal panel discussions, HOBY participants get a realistic look at their nation, its people, and their own role in the world community. Along with students of similar goals and aspirations, HOBY Ambassadors enhance their leadership skills and discover that they are not alone in their desire to lead and to make their schools and communities a better place. The leadership seminars consist of question-and-answer sessions, small group discussions, and leadership exercises, which allow these future leaders to better, understand the meaning of leadership and begin to identify their own particular leadership strengths.

	Ninth Annual Stoner Cup Volleyball Tournament to Benefit Potsdam Holiday Fund The Stoner Cup Volleyball Tournament hosted by Mrs. Stark's Sports Management class at Potsdam High School, recently raised $250.00 for the Potsdam Holiday Fund. Seen in the photo is Ryan Mousaw, who served as project manager for the tournament organizing team and Marlu Peet accepting the check on behalf of her husband Tom, a member of the Potsdam Holiday Fund Board of Directors. Other members of the student organizing team include Justin Snyder, Taylor Salisbury, and Daniel Moulton. The ninth annual tournament was won by Kara Murray, Kiana McDonough, Katie Phelan, Kristy Huczel, Delaney Lawrence, and Ashley Mitchell. Many thanks to the ten participating teams and Mrs. Fiacco and Mr. Stark for their assistance and use of facility.

Ninth Annual Stoner Cup Volleyball Tournament to Benefit Potsdam Holiday Fund

The Stoner Cup Volleyball Tournament hosted by Mrs. Stark's Sports Management class at Potsdam High School, recently raised $250.00 for the Potsdam Holiday Fund. Seen in the photo is Ryan Mousaw, who served as project manager for the tournament organizing team and Marlu Peet accepting the check on behalf of her husband Tom, a member of the Potsdam Holiday Fund Board of Directors. Other members of the student organizing team include Justin Snyder, Taylor Salisbury, and Daniel Moulton. The ninth annual tournament was won by Kara Murray, Kiana McDonough, Katie Phelan, Kristy Huczel, Delaney Lawrence, and Ashley Mitchell. Many thanks to the ten participating teams and Mrs. Fiacco and Mr. Stark for their assistance and use of facility.

	Wild Game Tasting Lab (AKA Road Kill Cafe) The popular Wild Game Tasting Lab returned to the High School on December 22nd. Hosted annually by Mr. Sipher's Ag Classes, student and staff were treated to a variety of wild game. A steady stream of students and staff wander in to enjoy these treats and socialize. Click Here for more pictures.

Wild Game Tasting Lab (AKA Road Kill Cafe)

The popular Wild Game Tasting Lab returned to the High School on December 22nd. Hosted annually by Mr. Sipher's Ag Classes, student and staff were treated to a variety of wild game. A steady stream of students and staff wander in to enjoy these treats and socialize.

Click Here for more pictures.

Potsdam Students Perform at Frederic Remington Museum's Holiday Open House

Twenty-Three students from Potsdam high School perform for the Frederic Remington Museum's Holiday Open House on Sunday, December 13, 2009

PHS French Students Visit the “1844 House.”

On Friday, November 20, twenty-seven students of French enjoyed a five-course lunch at the 1844 House. The menu was in French and students even had the chance to taste "escargots" (snails) as their "amuse-bouche" (appetizer), most of them for the first time. The meal ended with the ever-popular French dessert, mousse au chocolat.

Following our lunch, we went to Traditional Arts of Upstate New York where Executive Director Jill Breit explained the purpose of the organization and Founder and Cultural Heritage Director Verrick Chittenden talked with students about the French-Canadian influences in the North Country, including those present in architecture, cuisine, and family and holiday traditions. Students heard pre-recorded songs and interviews and had the chance to see several typical artifacts, including traditional French-Canadian carvings and a handmade altar. To learn more about TAUNY, visit their website at http://www.tauny.org/

	Potsdam High School Students Help Their Platoon in Iraq Students enrolled in Civics this year have taken active citizenship seriously. They adopted a platoon from Ft. Drum. The HHB 2-15 FA, 10th Mountain Division were deployed to Iraq on October 12, 2009 and are scheduled to be there for 12 months. Students had a chance to meet most of the members before they deployed. Since then, students have been conducting a collection campaign in the high school for non-perishable snacks, personal hygiene items and recreational material. On Tuesday, November 24th seven boxes were shipped to the platoon. Thanks to a donation of items from Girl Scout Troop 240 from Brasher, an additional two boxes were shipped. Students are now starting to collect items again for a new shipment before the holidays. Adopt a Platoon

Potsdam High School Students Help Their Platoon in Iraq

Students enrolled in Civics this year have taken active citizenship seriously. They adopted a platoon from Ft. Drum. The HHB 2-15 FA, 10th Mountain Division were deployed to Iraq on October 12, 2009 and are scheduled to be there for 12 months. Students had a chance to meet most of the members before they deployed. Since then, students have been conducting a collection campaign in the high school for non-perishable snacks, personal hygiene items and recreational material. On Tuesday, November 24th seven boxes were shipped to the platoon. Thanks to a donation of items from Girl Scout Troop 240 from Brasher, an additional two boxes were shipped. Students are now starting to collect items again for a new shipment before the holidays. Adopt a Platoon


Potsdam High School Students Participate in Area All-State 34 musicians from Potsdam High School took part in Area All-State this past weekend. The festival, held at Indian River's Theater, included Band, Chorus, and Orchestra under the direction of distinguished guest conductors. Acceptance into these selective groups was based on the students' NYSSMA Solo scores from last spring. Students are (left to right): bottom row: Katja McCall, Megan Burke, and Crystal Myler (Chorus), Tess Curry and Cassie Grace (Band), Frances Clark (Orchestra), Kate Hildreth (Band), and Eleanor Hawley (Orchestra). Row 2: Kelsey Travis (Band), Madelyn Ball (Orchestra), Liz Miraglia and Maya Holsen (Chorus), Tashia Fodor (Orchestra), Alyssa Hill (Chorus), Brenna Rice (Orchestra), Rachel Hartman (Band), and Catie Dominy (Orchestra). Row 3: John Jadlos (Band), Michael Burns and Ben Stone (Chorus), Sebastian Grimberg and Shawn Lillie (Band), Jake Carter and John Coleman (Orchestra), and Ben Aldrich (Chorus). Top Row: Kristian Merchant and Spencer Neaton (Chorus), Felix Grimberg (Band), Seth Hinman (Chorus), George Morris (Band), Jacob Moose (Chorus), and William Baker-Hastings, Alex Weil, and Drew Gruneisen (Orchestra).

Potsdam High School Students Participate in Area All-State

34 musicians from Potsdam High School took part in Area All-State this past weekend. The festival, held at Indian River's Theater, included Band, Chorus, and Orchestra under the direction of distinguished guest conductors. Acceptance into these selective groups was based on the students' NYSSMA Solo scores from last spring.

Students are (left to right): bottom row: Katja McCall, Megan Burke, and Crystal Myler (Chorus), Tess Curry and Cassie Grace (Band), Frances Clark (Orchestra), Kate Hildreth (Band), and Eleanor Hawley (Orchestra).
Row 2: Kelsey Travis (Band), Madelyn Ball (Orchestra), Liz Miraglia and Maya Holsen (Chorus), Tashia Fodor (Orchestra), Alyssa Hill (Chorus), Brenna Rice (Orchestra), Rachel Hartman (Band), and Catie Dominy (Orchestra).
Row 3: John Jadlos (Band), Michael Burns and Ben Stone (Chorus), Sebastian Grimberg and Shawn Lillie (Band), Jake Carter and John Coleman (Orchestra), and Ben Aldrich (Chorus).
Top Row: Kristian Merchant and Spencer Neaton (Chorus), Felix Grimberg (Band), Seth Hinman (Chorus), George Morris (Band), Jacob Moose (Chorus), and William Baker-Hastings, Alex Weil, and Drew Gruneisen (Orchestra).


Virginia-Based American Shakespeare Center Visits Potsdam High School "All the world's a stage" and Potsdam High School students were the players. Members of the Virginia-based American Shakespeare Center spent the morning of Monday, October 26th visiting English classes. Rick Blunt provided the education and entertainment.

Virginia-Based American Shakespeare Center Visits Potsdam High School

"All the world's a stage" and Potsdam High School students were the players. Members of the Virginia-based American Shakespeare Center spent the morning of Monday, October 26th visiting English classes. Rick Blunt provided the education and entertainment.

	Potsdam High School Staff and Students Attend Adirondack Youth Climate Summit Tupper Lake, NY – More than 150 people, from 24 high schools and colleges across the Adirondacks gather at The Wild Center in Tupper Lake, NY on November 9th and 10th, for the first Adirondack Youth Climate Summit Potsdam High School participants included Mr. Bob Brothers, Building and Grounds Supervisor, Mr. James Allot and Mr. Dave Sipher, Science Teachers, Mr. Nick Leuthauser, Technology Teacher, Paul Buchanan and Danielle Foisy, students. Full Story

Potsdam High School Staff and Students Attend Adirondack Youth Climate Summit

Tupper Lake, NY – More than 150 people, from 24 high schools and colleges across the Adirondacks gather at The Wild Center in Tupper Lake, NY on November 9th and 10th, for the first Adirondack Youth Climate Summit

Potsdam High School participants included Mr. Bob Brothers, Building and Grounds Supervisor, Mr. James Allot and Mr. Dave Sipher, Science Teachers, Mr. Nick Leuthauser, Technology Teacher, Paul Buchanan and Danielle Foisy, students.

Full Story


U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Biologist Visit Mark Carrara is a Wildlife Biologist for the United State Department of Agriculture. He has an extensive collection of wildlife pelts, mounts, and skulls. He showed his collection, along with some samples from colleagues and Potsdam State's collection, to the Natural Resource class at Potsdam High School on Thursday, November 19th. The class is presently studying the wildlife mammals of the Adirondacks. Students were fascinated by the collection and his knowledge..

U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Biologist Visit

Mark Carrara is a Wildlife Biologist for the United State Department of Agriculture. He has an extensive collection of wildlife pelts, mounts, and skulls. He showed his collection, along with some samples from colleagues and Potsdam State's collection, to the Natural Resource class at Potsdam High School on Thursday, November 19th. The class is presently studying the wildlife mammals of the Adirondacks. Students were fascinated by the collection and his knowledge..

	AP French Field Trip AP French students attended a French 201 course, Introduction to Francophone Cultures, at St. Lawrence University on Monday, November 16. This was an opportunity for the students to see, first-hand, a college level French course. Dr. Roy Caldwell conducted the class and invited the PCS students to participate in class discussions, listen to and analyze a French song, and speak with SLU students enrolled in the course. After the class, some SLU students joined them at lunch in Dana Dining Hall, where they discussed their university life, abroad studies, and future plans for French study. Overall, the students were excited to be on a college campus. In addition, most of them were impressed with themselves for being able to comprehend and participate at an advanced level.

AP French Field Trip

AP French students attended a French 201 course, Introduction to Francophone Cultures, at St. Lawrence University on Monday, November 16. This was an opportunity for the students to see, first-hand, a college level French course. Dr. Roy Caldwell conducted the class and invited the PCS students to participate in class discussions, listen to and analyze a French song, and speak with SLU students enrolled in the course.

After the class, some SLU students joined them at lunch in Dana Dining Hall, where they discussed their university life, abroad studies, and future plans for French study.

Overall, the students were excited to be on a college campus. In addition, most of them were impressed with themselves for being able to comprehend and participate at an advanced level.

	Potsdam High School Food Drive Students from Potsdam High School conducted a Food Drive on Saturday, November 7th at Wal-Mart, Save-a-Lot and P&C from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The result was over 1000 food items and $200 cash collected. These items will be used to help families in the community during the upcoming holiday season. Potsdam High School is grateful to all who donated to this drive. We are also proud of the students who gave up their Saturday to take on this civic responsibility. They were Drive Chairpersons: Lawrence Hazen and Danielle Foisy. Volunteers were: Natalie Caranza, Olivia Lee, Alexis Hunt, Anna Foster, Kara Murray, Drew Gruneisen, David Smith, Miranda Larabie, Haylee Anderson, BreeAnna Anderson, Jessica Buckley, Shanell Claffey, Lawrence Hazen, Juliana Stoian, Andrea Mouthorp, Isabelle Foisy and Melanie Atkinson. The food drive was organized by the Potsdam High School Student Council.

Potsdam High School Food Drive

Students from Potsdam High School conducted a Food Drive on Saturday, November 7th at Wal-Mart, Save-a-Lot and P&C from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The result was over 1000 food items and $200 cash collected. These items will be used to help families in the community during the upcoming holiday season. Potsdam High School is grateful to all who donated to this drive. We are also proud of the students who gave up their Saturday to take on this civic responsibility. They were Drive Chairpersons: Lawrence Hazen and Danielle Foisy. Volunteers were: Natalie Caranza, Olivia Lee, Alexis Hunt, Anna Foster, Kara Murray, Drew Gruneisen, David Smith, Miranda Larabie, Haylee Anderson, BreeAnna Anderson, Jessica Buckley, Shanell Claffey, Lawrence Hazen, Juliana Stoian, Andrea Mouthorp, Isabelle Foisy and Melanie Atkinson. The food drive was organized by the Potsdam High School Student Council.

1st Place - Simone Krueger	2nd Place - Amanda Smith	3rd Place - Emily Bradshaw & Lauren Costa
Pumpkin Carving Contest Potsdam High School students had an opportunity to help out the Potsdam merchants for the "Fright Night" festivities. With the smell of hot apple cider and caramel melting for caramel apples, students gathered to turn pumpkins into Jack-O-La terns. There creations were displayed by Potsdam Village merchants during "Fright Night." Students also had an opportunity to win cash awards for their creations. Judging took place in Mrs. Varney's Art Room (827) with winners being chosen by paper ballot. This activity was sponsored by the Artistic Congress. Click Here for Slideshow

1st Place - Simone Krueger

2nd Place - Amanda Smith

3rd Place - Emily Bradshaw & Lauren Costa

Pumpkin Carving Contest

Potsdam High School students had an opportunity to help out the Potsdam merchants for the "Fright Night" festivities. With the smell of hot apple cider and caramel melting for caramel apples, students gathered to turn pumpkins into Jack-O-La terns. There creations were displayed by Potsdam Village merchants during "Fright Night." Students also had an opportunity to win cash awards for their creations. Judging took place in Mrs. Varney's Art Room (827) with winners being chosen by paper ballot. This activity was sponsored by the Artistic Congress. Click Here for Slideshow

Varsity and JV Volleyball Teams Raise Money for Breast Cancer Research
Members of the Potsdam High School Varsity and Junior Varsity Volleyball Team showed that with a little effort everyone can help find a cure for cancer. The teams raised $166 selling pledge cards for the cause. They raised an additional $44 from the purchase of the “Spike Out Cancer” shirts which was also donated to the American Cancer Society The Varsity Team also celebrated their Senior Night before the game against Ogdensburg. Honored were Ashley Mitchell, Amanda Oney and Katharine Phelan. More pictures available at pcssports.info
Front Row: Brian LaMere, scorekeeper, Ashley Mitchell, Katie Phelan, Amanda Oney, Ali Rivers, 2nd Row: Kiana McDonough, Alyssa Hill, Kara Murray, Kristy Huczel, Delaney Lawrence, Mariana Choong, Mrs. Fiacco

Varsity and JV Volleyball Teams Raise Money for Breast Cancer Research

Members of the Potsdam High School Varsity and Junior Varsity Volleyball Team showed that with a little effort everyone can help find a cure for cancer. The teams raised $166 selling pledge cards for the cause. They raised an additional $44 from the purchase of the “Spike Out Cancer” shirts which was also donated to the American Cancer Society

The Varsity Team also celebrated their Senior Night before the game against Ogdensburg. Honored were Ashley Mitchell, Amanda Oney and Katharine Phelan. More pictures available at pcssports.info

Front Row: Brian LaMere, scorekeeper, Ashley Mitchell, Katie Phelan, Amanda Oney, Ali Rivers,
2nd Row: Kiana McDonough, Alyssa Hill, Kara Murray, Kristy Huczel, Delaney Lawrence, Mariana Choong, Mrs. Fiacco

Madelyn Ball, daughter of Ruth Baltus and Kevin Ball of Potsdam, has been named a 2010 National Merit Semi Finalist. (Full Story)

	Seniors Martin LaFleur and Benjamin Stone have been named Commended Students in the 2010 National Merit Scholarship Program. Full Story

HS Junior, Allyssa Chambers Wins International Title! On July 11, 2009 in Orlando, Florida, after several days of competition including judges interviews, on stage performance and public speaking, Allyssa Chambers was crowned 2009 International Teen. Full Story

HS Junior, Allyssa Chambers Wins International Title!

On July 11, 2009 in Orlando, Florida, after several days of competition including judges interviews, on stage performance and public speaking, Allyssa Chambers was crowned 2009 International Teen. Full Story

2009 Homecoming Court


Count Dustin LaValley and Countess Gina LaMastro	Duke Sam Miller and Dutchess Keely Rice
Prince John Coleman and Princess Cassie Grace	King Logan Atkinson and Queen Amanda Smith

AP Scholars 2009 Sixteen students at Potsdam High School have earned AP Scholar Awards in recognition of their exceptional achievement on AP Exams. One student qualified for the National AP Scholar Award by earning an average grade of 4 or higher on a five-point scale on all AP Exams taken, and grades of 4 or higher on eight or more of these exams. This student was Debapria Das. Full Story

AP Scholars 2009

Sixteen students at Potsdam High School have earned AP Scholar Awards in recognition of their exceptional achievement on AP Exams.

One student qualified for the National AP Scholar Award by earning an average grade of 4 or higher on a five-point scale on all AP Exams taken, and grades of 4 or higher on eight or more of these exams. This student was Debapria Das. Full Story

Hank Fest and Key Club

Key_Club_Hank_Fest

Sunday, September 20, 2009 - With country music filling the air at Ives Park in tribute to Hank Williams, members of the Potsdam High School Key Club were busy entertaining the children. Key club members passed out balloons, provided crafts and play games with the kids. Lawn Bowing, Egg on Spoon Race, Hoola Hoop and Jump Rope were just some of the games organised by club members. Club members participating in this event included; Hui Yang, Frances Clark, Marty LaFluer, Michael Ingram, Zach Adams, Tess Curry, Chris Whispell and Tess Hazen.

Mrs. Falvey's Class

New Self Esteem Activity

Sstudents in Mrs. Falvey's class used the floor and sidewalk chalk for a self-esteem activity. The students wrote their name and initial four positive descriptors about themselves which took quite awhile because we are suppose to be modest and not blow our own horn. We also tend to focus on our negatives. Then the students went around the room and wrote a personality descriptor for each person. Students then stood by their spot and read what had been written about them to the others.


Tiffany Love and Colby Cyrus receive their class schedules from guidance counselors, Mrs. Miller and Mrs. Robinson	New to the district, Dominic Yaketta 10th, Heather Cyr 11th and foreign exchange student Simone Krueger from Germany learn about Potsdam High School from Mrs. Kellogg, our school social worker
	Orientation Potsdam High School held orientation for freshman and new students on Wednesday, August 26th from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Students were provided with a copy of their schedule, a planner and a Potsdam Sandstoner Class of 2013 t-shirt. Mr. Pat Brady, Superintendent address the students and told them that with the renovations that had been made recently, the school looks the best it has in a long time. The community has given the students a beautiful gift and he encouraged them to use it and respect it. He told them that during the next four years they will spend 50% of their time here. He added that he is most proud of the numerous activities that are available to students here at Potsdam and hoped that they would take advantage of them. He concluded with a quote from Winston Churchill that his daughter in Italy often reminds him of: “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” The Freshman Advisory program staff and members of the Student Leadership Team were divided among the over 100 students who attended. They conducted activities, helped students read their schedules and provided tours of the building. For lunch students were treated to an indoor barbecue in the cafeteria due to the weather. After lunch students had an opportunity to walk through the building on their own or meet with guidance counselors to discuss their schedules.
Incoming 9th grader James McDonald checks out the space in his new locker.