We are excited to share that Raychel Marcil is the district’s Director of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) for the Cohoes City School District. She was appointed by the Board of Education in December, and started her new role Feb. 1.
“It’s like coming home,” said Mrs. Marcil, a Cohoes High School graduate who spent 15 years as the social worker at Harmony Hill School.
She received her undergraduate degree in social work from Marist College and a Master in Social Work from UAlbany, but never considered pursuing her administration degree until it was suggested by one of her interns.
“I always took on leadership type of responsibilities as a social worker,” said Mrs. Marcil, such as becoming a Crisis Prevention and Intervention trainer and teaching and supervising interns.
Upon attaining her School Building Leadership Certification from UAlbany and School District Leadership Certification from SUNY Plattsburgh she accepted a position in the Queensbury Union Free School District, where she has served as Director of Social Emotional Learning and School Development since September 2021.
Though she enjoyed her time there, comparing the small-town feel to Cohoes, when she saw the posting for the new position she knew she had to apply.
“I have knowledge of the community, so bringing my social work background to this position is a natural fit,” said Mrs. Marcil. “Being able to support our staff, students and families is something that I love to do.”
In this new grant-funded role provided through the NYS Office of Mental Health, Mrs. Marcil will collaborate closely with district and building administrators, educators, support staff, families and students to create a data-driven framework that meets the needs of all students through social-emotional and behavioral interventions.
“It’s making sure the implementation is there and becomes systemic,” she said.
To explain it more simply, Tier 1 encompasses all students, and includes the Second Step program and Positivity Project used in each school along with other classroom-based strategies and supports. Tier 2 includes small group sessions tailored to students’ specific social emotional and/or behavioral needs. Tier 3 involves making sure individualized needs are met through more intensive targeted support.
“The tiered level of support for students ensures that they all have access to the resources they need,” said Mrs. Marcil, who will provide support for families and serve as a point of contact for outside resources. She will assist all schools and provide professional development opportunities and suggestions to teachers throughout the year.
How does it feel to be back in the place where it all started?
“It’s amazing, it’s my home. It’s truly an honor to work in a community that I love, that I grew up in, and where my kids are growing up.”
Please join us in welcoming Mrs. Marcil in her new role.