Principal's Message

Dear Whitesboro High School Families,

As we prepare to welcome students back for another exciting school year at Whitesboro High School, I want to take a moment to share my excitement and gratitude. It is truly a privilege to serve as your principal and to work alongside such a dedicated community of students, families, faculty and staff.

At Whitesboro High School, we believe that excellence is not defined by a single accomplishment, but by the culture we create each day. Our commitment to fostering a Culture of Excellence is reflected in our classrooms, on our athletic fields, on our stages, in our clubs and activities and through the countless opportunities we provide for students to discover and pursue their passions.

Last year, that commitment resulted in many achievements that made our entire school community proud. Whitesboro High School was once again recognized as a NYSPHSAA School of Distinction, a rare honor earned because all 32 of our varsity athletic teams achieved Scholar-Athlete status. Our students also demonstrated improved performance on both Regents and Advanced Placement examinations while continuing to excel in the arts, music, STEM programs and Career and Technical Education. We were also honored to be the only area high school selected as a finalist for the Mohawk Valley Community Choice Awards. These accomplishments are a reflection of the hard work of our students, the dedication of our staff and the support of our families.

As we begin a new school year, we remain committed to building upon that success. Our District mission to inspire, cultivate and empower all learners to maximize their potential continues to guide our work each day. We will continue to provide engaging learning experiences, encourage students to challenge themselves and create opportunities for every student to grow academically, socially and personally.

One area that will receive particular attention this year is student attendance. Simply put, students learn best when they are in school. Every class provides valuable instruction, meaningful discussions, collaborative learning experiences and opportunities that cannot be fully replicated outside the classroom. By making regular attendance a priority, we can better ensure that every graduate leaves Whitesboro High School prepared with the knowledge, skills and experiences necessary for success in college, careers and life.

We also recognize that student success is strongest when schools and families work together. Your partnership, encouragement and communication play an essential role in helping our students achieve their goals. Together, we can continue to build a school community where every student feels supported, challenged and inspired to reach their full potential.

I am excited to welcome our students back and look forward to another year filled with learning, growth and memorable experiences. Thank you for your continued trust and support of Whitesboro High School. Together, we will continue to build upon our Culture of Excellence and make the 2026-27 school year our best yet.

Dave Cognetti
Principal