🐴 On Thursday, Zoller Elementary School hosted a fantastic Farm Day to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the beloved Zoller Garden, where students planted trees and enjoyed a special visit from a petting zoo. The Zoller Garden is where our Farm to School program began, which now includes hands-on agriculture lessons at each of our schools.
REMINDER
There is not school and district offices will be closed Monday, October 12 in observance of Indigenous Peoples' Day!
There is not school and district offices will be closed Monday, October 12 in observance of Indigenous Peoples' Day!
UNDERSTANDING SCHOOL PRIVACY LAWS: WHY THE DISTRICT CAN'T ALWAYS SHARE DETAILS
At last night’s Board of Education meeting, attorney Douglas Gerhardt gave an insightful presentation on the strict legal and privacy obligations governing public school districts.
Community members often ask why the district cannot comment publicly when issues or incidents involve students or staff. Mr. Gerhardt explained that state and federal laws, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), New York Education Law 2-d, and employment privacy regulations, strictly protect individual records and personnel matters.
While the district always strives to maintain open communication, the law legally prohibits school officials from sharing confidential details regarding student discipline, academic records, or personnel actions. Maintaining these boundaries isn't just about regulatory compliance. It protects the dignity, privacy, and safety of our entire school community.
We appreciate Mr. Gerhardt’s clear breakdown of these regulations.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwcL8B-FxR4
At last night’s Board of Education meeting, attorney Douglas Gerhardt gave an insightful presentation on the strict legal and privacy obligations governing public school districts.
Community members often ask why the district cannot comment publicly when issues or incidents involve students or staff. Mr. Gerhardt explained that state and federal laws, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), New York Education Law 2-d, and employment privacy regulations, strictly protect individual records and personnel matters.
While the district always strives to maintain open communication, the law legally prohibits school officials from sharing confidential details regarding student discipline, academic records, or personnel actions. Maintaining these boundaries isn't just about regulatory compliance. It protects the dignity, privacy, and safety of our entire school community.
We appreciate Mr. Gerhardt’s clear breakdown of these regulations.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwcL8B-FxR4
TODAY: Join us for Parent-Principal Chats at Schenectady High School! 🤝💬
Schedule: Every 2nd Thursday of the Month at 5:00 PM
October 8, 2026
November 12, 2026
December 10, 2026
Location: Room FA 5 (Enter through the FA Wing)
Focus Topic: Attendance
What to Expect: Open dialogue on parent involvement, teacher feedback, school activities, and an open Q&A session.
For questions, contact Parent Liaison Yelena Martinez at 518-929-1153 or martinezy@schenectadyschools.org.
Schedule: Every 2nd Thursday of the Month at 5:00 PM
October 8, 2026
November 12, 2026
December 10, 2026
Location: Room FA 5 (Enter through the FA Wing)
Focus Topic: Attendance
What to Expect: Open dialogue on parent involvement, teacher feedback, school activities, and an open Q&A session.
For questions, contact Parent Liaison Yelena Martinez at 518-929-1153 or martinezy@schenectadyschools.org.
Author Keith Wood, a graduate of Mont Pleasant High School, visited our Adult Education Center at 80 Nott Terrace to talk about the history of the Mohawk Giants baseball team in Schenectady.
Visit Keithbwoodauthor.com to learn more about the team and Dr. Wood.
Our Passionate Person of the Week is Jasmatie Indarjit, security monitor at Lincoln! Jasmatie has been with the district for 1 year. Thank you for all you do for our students!
To check out the rest of our passionate people, follow the link below to our Strategic Plan page, which features all the information you need on the guiding principles that shape the work we do to better the lives of our students every day. ❤️💙
Click here: https://www.schenectadyschools.org/page/strategic-plan-2024-2030
To check out the rest of our passionate people, follow the link below to our Strategic Plan page, which features all the information you need on the guiding principles that shape the work we do to better the lives of our students every day. ❤️💙
Click here: https://www.schenectadyschools.org/page/strategic-plan-2024-2030
🗓️ Community Note: Free Flu Vaccine Clinic in Schenectady!
Schenectady County is offering no-cost flu vaccines to help keep our community healthy this season.
📍 Location: Schenectady County Public Library – Main Branch
📅 Date: Friday, October 9
⏰ Time: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
⚠️ Appointment Required: Spots must be reserved in advance.
Schenectady County is offering no-cost flu vaccines to help keep our community healthy this season.
📍 Location: Schenectady County Public Library – Main Branch
📅 Date: Friday, October 9
⏰ Time: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
⚠️ Appointment Required: Spots must be reserved in advance.
REMINDER: A public hearing regarding Destine Preparatory Charter School's application for renewal will be held on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m., at 530 Liberty St.
The hearing will be live-streamed: https://youtube.com/live/oxZlIiv2Zlo?feature=share
This weeks Teacher of the Week is Amy Lynn Polito! Amy has been teaching in our district for 23 years and is currently a k-5 math instructional support coach at Paige. Thank you for all you do for our students, Amy!
To check out the rest of our passionate people, follow the link below to our Strategic Plan page, with all the information you need on the guiding principles that shape the work we do to better the lives of our students every day. ❤️💙
Click here: https://www.schenectadyschools.org/page/strategic-plan-2024-2030
To check out the rest of our passionate people, follow the link below to our Strategic Plan page, with all the information you need on the guiding principles that shape the work we do to better the lives of our students every day. ❤️💙
Click here: https://www.schenectadyschools.org/page/strategic-plan-2024-2030
Board of Education Meeting
Wednesday, October 7
6:30 p.m.
530 Liberty St.
Agenda: https://go.boarddocs.com/ny/schenectady/Board.nsf/Public
Meeting will be live-streamed: https://youtube.com/live/QQiMTbJY2Sw?feature=share
Did you know our district operates the Family Opportunity Center at 1104 Webster Street?
The FOC offers services focused on parenting education utilizing Family Check-Up and Everyday Parent, addressing families concrete needs, developing and presenting activities to promote school readiness and literacy.
Recent events include;
📝Parent Action Committee meeting and pantry stocking.
📚Parent Action Committee Raising Readers class
Happy Monday! We hope you all had a great first day back to school. Just your weekly reminder that showing up every day this week makes a huge difference in your education. The more days you miss, the more work you need to catch up on, and the more overwhelmed you get. Make your life easier by showing up and showing out at school every day of the week!
Parents, if your student is struggling with attendance, you don't have to navigate it alone. We offer a wide range of support services, including attendance specialists, counselors, and teachers who are here to help.
To learn more about Project Be Here and explore available attendance resources, please click the link below. We hope you’re having a great week, and let’s make sure our students are here every day!
PBH Resources: https://www.schenectadyschools.org/page/attendance-policy
Parents, if your student is struggling with attendance, you don't have to navigate it alone. We offer a wide range of support services, including attendance specialists, counselors, and teachers who are here to help.
To learn more about Project Be Here and explore available attendance resources, please click the link below. We hope you’re having a great week, and let’s make sure our students are here every day!
PBH Resources: https://www.schenectadyschools.org/page/attendance-policy
🏡 Let’s Talk Housing! Join an important community conversation.
📅 When: Thursday, Oct. 8 | 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Where: FUMC Fellowship Hall (603 State St.)
👉 Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSedbWbNzoYNorcaQJEszgQI_RofXspC3tiY9I51RfPieV_iMw/viewform
📅 When: Thursday, Oct. 8 | 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Where: FUMC Fellowship Hall (603 State St.)
👉 Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSedbWbNzoYNorcaQJEszgQI_RofXspC3tiY9I51RfPieV_iMw/viewform
The Futures XC Championships are back!
Calling all Schenectady students in Grades K–6! Join us for an awesome cross-country meet!
Young athletes will tackle a ~0.5-mile course featuring track, grass, and pavement sections. Family and friends are invited to come out, cheer on our future stars, and watch them compete.
Date: Wednesday, October 14, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM
Location: Schenectady High School
Sign up and get more info: schenectadyxc.com
Calling all Schenectady students in Grades K–6! Join us for an awesome cross-country meet!
Young athletes will tackle a ~0.5-mile course featuring track, grass, and pavement sections. Family and friends are invited to come out, cheer on our future stars, and watch them compete.
Date: Wednesday, October 14, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM
Location: Schenectady High School
Sign up and get more info: schenectadyxc.com
Join us for Parent-Principal Chats at Schenectady High School! 🤝💬
Schedule: Every 2nd Thursday of the Month at 5:00 PM
October 8, 2026
November 12, 2026
December 10, 2026
Location: Room FA 5 (Enter through the FA Wing)
Focus Topic: Attendance
What to Expect: Open dialogue on parent involvement, teacher feedback, school activities, and an open Q&A session.
For questions, contact Parent Liaison Yelena Martinez at 518-929-1153 or martinezy@schenectadyschools.org.
Schedule: Every 2nd Thursday of the Month at 5:00 PM
October 8, 2026
November 12, 2026
December 10, 2026
Location: Room FA 5 (Enter through the FA Wing)
Focus Topic: Attendance
What to Expect: Open dialogue on parent involvement, teacher feedback, school activities, and an open Q&A session.
For questions, contact Parent Liaison Yelena Martinez at 518-929-1153 or martinezy@schenectadyschools.org.
🚨 Join Our Team! Don't miss the next SCSD Job Fair! 🚨
We’re hiring! Come learn about exciting career opportunities, meet our team, and discover how you can make a difference.
🗓 Date: Wednesday, October 21
⏰ Time: 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
📍 Location: 530 Liberty St.
🍁 Happy Friday. Check out Superintendent Dr. Cotto's weekly update for the week ending October 2, 2026: https://www.schenectadyschools.org/page/update-template-october-02-2026
Have a wonderful and restful weekend!
Have a wonderful and restful weekend!
Happy National Custodian Appreciation Day! Day in and day out, our custodial staff keeps our schools safe, clean, and ready for learning. We are so grateful for everything they do to support our students and staff every single day.
Take a moment out of your day today to thank our incredible custodial staff! ❤️
Mark Your Calendar!
Diwali Motorcade and Cultural Show
November 1
See flyer for details
Diwali Motorcade and Cultural Show
November 1
See flyer for details
October is National Principal Appreciation Month!
Behind every thriving school, dedicated team of teachers, and inspired group of students is a principal who works tirelessly behind the scenes.
From welcoming students at the doors every morning to making critical decisions that keep our schools safe, supporting our staff, and cheering on our kids in everything they do, our principals wear a hundred different hats every single day.
Join us in celebrating and thanking our school leaders all month long!
#schenectadyrising #passionatepeople ❤️️💙
Behind every thriving school, dedicated team of teachers, and inspired group of students is a principal who works tirelessly behind the scenes.
From welcoming students at the doors every morning to making critical decisions that keep our schools safe, supporting our staff, and cheering on our kids in everything they do, our principals wear a hundred different hats every single day.
Join us in celebrating and thanking our school leaders all month long!
#schenectadyrising #passionatepeople ❤️️💙
