Our 2026-27 School Motto: 'Work Hard. Succeed Together'
 

Welcome Back 2026-27 Newsletter

August 16, 2026

Dear Students and Families,

On behalf of the Jr./Sr. High School staff, welcome to the 2026–27 school year! We are excited to welcome students back on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, and look forward to another successful year of learning, growth, and achievement. This year, Mr. Gregg will continue serving as our Athletic Director while also assuming the role of Dean of Students. We are also pleased to welcome a few new staff members to the Jr/Sr High School. 
 
A few announcements for the upcoming school year…

2026–27 Instructional Focus
· Strong reading, writing, and critical thinking skills
· Increased opportunities for handwriting and cursive writing
· Reduced reliance on screen time when appropriate
· Hands-on, project-based, and real-world learning experiences
· College, career, and workforce readiness
These priorities reflect our commitment to developing independent thinkers, effective communicators, and lifelong learners.

Student School Visitation Day
Wednesday, September 2 • 2:00–4:00 PM
Students and families are invited to visit the Jr./Sr. High School to: Pick up any revised student schedules, Locate classrooms and lockers, bring in any school supplies.  This visit is especially encouraged for students who are new to the Jr./Sr. High School.
 
First Day of School
Tuesday, September 8, 2026: Grades 7–8: Report to Advisory from 7:40–8:20 a.m.
Grades 9–12: Report directly to 1st Period at 7:45 a.m.
During the first week of school, students will receive: Updated class schedule. Student agenda/planner, Starter school supplies (folders, spiral notebook, pen, pencil), Mesh school bag
Students will also complete: Code of Conduct Acknowledgment & Chromebook Use Agreement
 
Lockers & Backpacks
Each student will be assigned a hallway locker with a combination lock. Lockers should remain locked throughout the school day. For safety and security reasons, students may carry only a mesh or clear bag during the school day. Standard backpacks must be stored in student lockers.
In addition, all Jr/Sr High School students will change for Physical Education classes and will receive a locker room locker and lock during the first week of school.
 
Student Arrival & Dismissal
Student Drop-off: 7:30–7:40 a.m.
School Begins: Grades 7–8: 7:40 a.m. & Grades 9–12: 7:45 a.m.
Dismissal (Grades 7–12): 2:13 p.m.
Bus pick-up times will be communicated by the Transportation Department before the start of school.
 
School Supplies
A list of recommended supplies is available on the district website. Students will receive starter school supplies on the first day of school. 
 
Communication Tool
SCCS will be transitioning from SchoolMessenger to ParentSquare as our primary school-to-home communication platform. ParentSquare https://www.parentsquare.com/, will be used to share important district and school announcements, reminders, and other communications with families and staff. More information on this change will be forthcoming.

We wish all of our students and families a successful and rewarding 2026-27 school year. Together, we will continue to build a culture of learning, respect, and excellence.
 
Take care. Go Falcons!

Luke Carnicelli, Principal
Southern Cayuga Jr/Sr High School

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June 30, 2026

Dear Families,

We hope you have a nice summer. As we begin to look ahead to the upcoming school year, please note the following important information:

• Student schedules for the 2026-27 school year will be mailed home on or around August 14, 2026.
• School counselors will be available the week of Aug 31– Sept 4 to assist with any questions or necessary schedule changes. You may call 315-364-7111 x2114 if you need to make an appointment time for any schedule questions.
• We will host a school visitation day on Wed, Sept 2 from 2:00-4:00pm. During that time, students and families are welcome to:
  • Review student schedules
  • Visit classrooms and locate lockers
  • Bring in and store school supplies in lockers
• Our first day of school will be Tuesday, September 8, 2026.

• 2” Binder, 4 Folders, Pens & Pencils, Highlighters
• If any additional items are needed for specific classes, we will work with the teacher for the school to supply as many items as possible.
• Our goal for all students/families is to purchase a very small number of school supplies.

• Chromebook & Charger (students were given one to keep last year), Calculator (if needed), 1 Subject Notebook, 2 Folders, Pen, School Agenda/Planner

Backpacks, please note: Students should purchase a mesh or see-through backpack, especially if they would like to carry items throughout the school day. A limited number of mesh bags will be available for students to use throughout the school year. Small purses/handbags may also be carried for personal items only. Normal type backpacks are generally not allowed during the school day for safety precautions. However, a normal backpack may be carried to and from school/bus to the student’s locker and left in the locker until the end of the day. Students are encouraged to use their locker throughout the school day to store their books/belongings and to keep their items secure.

Take care,
Luke

Luke Carnicelli, Principal
Southern Cayuga Jr/Sr High School  

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SC Jr/Sr HS Community Advisory Council (CAC)
Meetings: TBA. Agendas for each meeting will be sent via email. 

Follow our school’s online media class reports via Facebook… https://www.facebook.com/sccsthesource/
Our school’s Twitter (X) can be located here… https://x.com/Southern_Cayuga 
 

Mission Statement: The Mission of Southern Cayuga Jr/Sr High School is to create an environment that is conducive to personal and academic excellence.
This will be accomplished by creating a school community that embodies the principles of being: Safe, Respectful, Responsible, and Kind. 

Southern Cayuga Jr/Sr High School does not restrict students on the basis of race/ethnicity, religion, physical handicap subject to medical eligibility, or gender.