Prioritizing Student Mental Health at GASD: A Commitment to Care
At the Greater Amsterdam School District (GASD), student well-being is a top priority. Through dedicated staff, community partnerships, and innovative programs, the district has made significant strides in supporting mental health.
Dave Jackson, GASD’s director of mental health, plays a key role in these efforts. Spending much of his time at Barkley Elementary, Jackson collaborates with school counselors, social workers, and outside agencies to create individualized support plans for all students. He also works with organizations like Catholic Charities to implement social-emotional learning curricula and brings in specialists for grief counseling and other mental health concerns.
The district’s commitment was solidified two years ago with a critical mental health grant, which expanded resources and staffing.
“The backbone of our mental health support is our school counselors, social workers, and guidance counselors,” Jackson said. “They work tirelessly to ensure students have the help they need, and I can’t say enough about the efforts of Christine Smith, our director of student support services and special education, and Miana Magliocca, our parent liaison for Family University, in making these initiatives a success.”
One major program is Handle With Care, which trains staff to de-escalate situations and provide immediate support. The district has also partnered with Cartwheel Care, an online therapy platform that connects students to licensed professionals via phone or tablet—removing barriers like transportation and increasing accessibility, especially for bilingual students. Looking ahead, GASD plans to open in-school mental health clinics at the high school and middle school, providing direct, on-site support soon.
The impact of these efforts is already visible. Students have become more open to seeking help, and staff are better equipped to recognize and address mental health challenges, Jackson said. One standout example involved a transient family new to Amsterdam, he said. The district quickly connected them to essential resources, including food and clothing, and provided access to in-school washers and dryers—ensuring students had clean clothes to wear.
Jackson acknowledges that challenges remain, such as food insecurity, housing instability, and the increasing impact of social media on students’ mental well-being. However, he remains hopeful.
“When a student feels safe, supported, and fed, we see the difference in their academic performance and engagement,” he said.
With continued support from district leadership and the broader community, GASD is determined to expand its mental health initiatives—ensuring that every student has access to the care they need to succeed.
New Leadership at Lynch Literacy Academy
The GASD Board of Education recently appointed Krystal Hammond as the new principal of Lynch Literacy Academy. With 17 years of experience in education, Hammond has demonstrated a strong commitment to student success, leadership, and community engagement. She began her career as a Spanish teacher in the Lansingburgh School District before joining GASD in 2021, serving as assistant principal at Marie Curie Elementary and later as ninth-grade assistant principal at Amsterdam High School.
“Her dedication, experience, and passion for education make her an excellent fit for LLA,” said Superintendent Richard Ruberti. Hammond expressed her enthusiasm for the role, saying she looks forward to continuing her work with the students, staff, and families of the district.
“Over my four years in the Greater Amsterdam School District, I have had the opportunity to work with amazing staff, students, and families. I look forward to my new role as principal of LLA and the continued opportunity to serve this school community,”
Hammond said. GASD welcomes Krystal Hammond to her new position and looks forward to her leadership at Lynch Literacy Academy.
Doctor Nellie A. Bush Honored with NYSSBA’s Highest Award
The Greater Amsterdam School District proudly celebrates Dr. Nellie A. Bush, who was honored with the Everett R. Dyer Award for Distinguished School Board Service at the 2024 NYSSBA Annual Convention & Education Expo in New York City. A Board of Education member for 43 years and recent GASD Hall of Fame inductee, Dr. Bush has played a key role in shaping district policies, leading board training initiatives, and advocating for student success.
Beyond her board service, Dr. Bush actively engages the community through letters to the editor and local radio interviews promoting GASD’s achievements.
“Dr. Bush has been a mentor and role model to many in our district, including students, educators, and her fellow board members. Her influence is both farreaching and deeply personal, and we are incredibly proud of this recognition of her exemplary service,” said Superintendent Richard Ruberti
Capital Project Updates
Exciting updates! Several projects from the voter-approved 2023 capital improvement plan have now been completed, with more enhancements still underway across the Greater Amsterdam School District.
At Amsterdam High School, students are already benefiting from the newly completed Student Center, a modern space designed to foster collaboration and learning. Additionally, the high school gym renovations are now finished, featuring a brand-new gym floor, upgraded bleachers, and state-of-the-art basketball hoops—ensuring our athletes have top-tier facilities to train and compete.
Meanwhile, at both the middle school and high school, classroom expansions and modernizations continue to take shape, bringing new Distance Learning labs, an eSports room, and additional instructional spaces to enhance student learning opportunities. These upgrades provide students with greater access to advanced coursework, virtual learning experiences, and cuttingedge technology, better preparing them for college and career pathways. By expanding learning beyond traditional classrooms, GASD is ensuring students have the flexibility and resources to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
This capital project reflects GASD’s dedication to creating a dynamic and innovative educational environment. Stay tuned as we continue making progress!
GASD’s Rams Inclusion Squad Tops Fundraising at 2024 Special Olympics Polar Plunge
On Nov. 25, 2024, the Rams Inclusion Squad participated in the Special Olympics Polar Plunge, emerging as the top fundraising school. The Amsterdam Rams raised an incredible $20,730, winning the Cool School Challenge and making a lasting impact on Special Olympics programs. With 77 plungers representing GASD— including staff from the high school, middle school, elementary schools, and central office, as well as students and families—the event was a true demonstration of district-wide unity and support.
Their efforts not only raised significant funds but also highlighted GASD’s deep commitment to inclusivity and community involvement. It was an amazing experience for the Inclusion Squad and the entire team, and they’re already looking ahead to surpassing their goal next year! Way to go, Amsterdam School District!
Marching Band Takes First Place at Thanksgiving Parade Competition
The Amsterdam Rams Marching Band made history this past November, performing for the first time in the Thanksgiving Day Parade. Months of dedication, precision, and passion paid off as they earned first place in the Thanksgiving Parade competition, gaining national recognition. The Rams’ outstanding performance was a testament to the hard work of students, staff, and the community.
But this achievement is more than just a trophy—it’s a reflection of the district’s commitment to providing students with opportunities to excel beyond the classroom. The Rams’ success on a national stage highlights the value of investing in arts education, teamwork, and discipline. It’s a proud moment for the entire community, demonstrating how local support translates into life-changing experiences. The dedication and talent of these students prove that programs like this inspire excellence, build confidence, and prepare them for future success.
MCJROTC Color Guard Wins First Place at Rensselaer Rumble
Amsterdam High School’s MCJROTC Color Guard delivered an outstanding performance at the Rensselaer Rumble on Feb. 1, earning first place at the prestigious competition held at RPI. Facing tough competition from private institutions such as Christian Brothers Academy, LaSalle Institute, and Albany Academy, Amsterdam stood out as the only public school in the event—a testament to the cadets’ dedication and skill.
Cadets Ryan Adams, Kimberly Maldonado, Rjay Rivera, Gabrielle Thorpe, Juliana Valls, Alberto Caraballo, and Antonio Billington demonstrated discipline, professionalism, and school pride, representing GASD with excellence.Their success highlights the values instilled through MCJROTC, where students build leadership, confidence, and teamwork through structured training and high expectations. The program not only prepares cadets for competition but also equips them with lifelong skills that extend far beyond the classroom.
This victory is a proud moment for Amsterdam and the entire community. Congratulations to our MCJROTC Color Guard on this incredible achievement!
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