RCS Rebranding Process

The Ravena Coeymans Selkirk Central School District has launched a comprehensive process to rebrand the school's mascot and nickname. The effort is part of a larger, statewide movement initiated by the New York State Department of Education to transition the use of Indigenous names, mascots, and logos away from public schools. Our district is among nearly 70 schools across New York that have since participated in the effort in 2023.

The Reveal of a New Mascot
The Ravena Coeymans Selkirk Central School District is now the Home of the Ravens. In the final rebranding survey, 46% of the 2,500+ voters selected the Ravens, with 37% choosing the Raptors, and 17% selecting the Swarm.

"We thank our community and students for participating in several rebranding surveys over the last six months. This is a time of reflection on the nearly 70 years that we were known as the Indians. We acknowledge the retirement of our mascot as a meaningful community effort and are grateful for all who have participated in this process." - RCS Has Selected a New Mascot (Oct. 6, 2023)

The final rebranding survey results - October 2023

The Creation of a Future Logo
Now that a name has been chosen, the next phase of the rebranding effort is the creation of a new District logo. This phase was started in November 2023 with an RCS Student Art Contest, with submissions coming from current students. Students created their interpretation of the future Ravens logo with a community vote that followed. With over 1,300 members of the RCS community casting their votes, we had a winning design created by RCS Middle School student Madalyn Babcock.

In January of 2024, the process began of turning the student art contest winner's submission into an image that can be used on our athletic fields, uniforms, website, and letterhead. 

The winning submission of the RCS Student Art Contest - December 2023

What is next?
Our new name and logo will be slowly implemented with full implementation for our teams during the 24-25 school year and the final updates to our facilities by the beginning of the 25-26 school year.

The District will continue its process of retiring current branded items such as uniforms, banners, and other signage. Larger rebranding changes like the athletic fields, pool, and gym floor will be scheduled for updates via regular maintenance, replacement, or construction projects. Some of these areas are already scheduled for update or replacement by 2025. Any updates that need to be completed prior to the end of their expected, useful life will either be subsidized by funds given to the District through PILOT programs (Payments In Lieu Of Taxes) or by funds given to the District by Holcim. As a reminder, these rebranding efforts will not be paid through the District’s general budgetary fund.

Below is a list of stories highlighting each step of RCS Rebranding: