This week’s Teacher of the Week is Jamie Levandusky! Jamie has been a 3rd grade teacher at MLK for 3 years. Thank you for your dedication, Jamie!
To learn more about the passionate people in our district and explore our strategic plan, visit this link: https://www.schenectadyschools.org/page/strategic-plan-2024-2030
#passionatepeople #SCSDstrategicplan ❤️💙
To learn more about the passionate people in our district and explore our strategic plan, visit this link: https://www.schenectadyschools.org/page/strategic-plan-2024-2030
#passionatepeople #SCSDstrategicplan ❤️💙
Happy Monday, everyone! As we head into the week, we’re looking at the final countdown. It’s the last few days of classes for our high school students and the second-to-last week for our young scholars! Summer is so close, but let’s stay focused. We want to see everyone here every day to celebrate the end of a great year together!
Parents and guardians, if you need support motivating your child to attend school, please reach out to your student’s teacher, counselor, or your school’s attendance specialist. Click the link to learn more about why attendance matters:
https://www.schenectadyschools.org/page/projectbehere-attendance-matters
#projectbehere #SchenectadyShowsUp #EveryDayCounts
Parents and guardians, if you need support motivating your child to attend school, please reach out to your student’s teacher, counselor, or your school’s attendance specialist. Click the link to learn more about why attendance matters:
https://www.schenectadyschools.org/page/projectbehere-attendance-matters
#projectbehere #SchenectadyShowsUp #EveryDayCounts
We are incredibly proud to announce the Top 10 students of the Class of 2026!
These exceptional (almost)graduates have consistently exceeded expectations, excelled across academic subject areas, and served as vital, productive leaders within our school community. As true role models, they have set a powerful example for their peers and left a lasting impact on our halls.
We congratulate each of them on their incredible accomplishments. Their futures are remarkably bright, and we cannot wait to see the amazing things they will achieve next!
Meet the Class of 2026 Top Scholars:
Dylan Slater – Valedictorian
Nassima Poinsette – Salutatorian
Rose Chance
Stephan Sukar
Silvon Singh
Azara Dobbs
Diane William
Tazkia Moddasser
Pratiksha (Sami) Gangadin
Aiyana Wells
Congratulations to the Top 10! Our entire SCSD community is cheering you on as you take your next steps! #schenectadyrising #top10 ❤️💙
These exceptional (almost)graduates have consistently exceeded expectations, excelled across academic subject areas, and served as vital, productive leaders within our school community. As true role models, they have set a powerful example for their peers and left a lasting impact on our halls.
We congratulate each of them on their incredible accomplishments. Their futures are remarkably bright, and we cannot wait to see the amazing things they will achieve next!
Meet the Class of 2026 Top Scholars:
Dylan Slater – Valedictorian
Nassima Poinsette – Salutatorian
Rose Chance
Stephan Sukar
Silvon Singh
Azara Dobbs
Diane William
Tazkia Moddasser
Pratiksha (Sami) Gangadin
Aiyana Wells
Congratulations to the Top 10! Our entire SCSD community is cheering you on as you take your next steps! #schenectadyrising #top10 ❤️💙
REMINDER
Board of Education Work Session
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
6:30 p.m.
530 Liberty St.
Meeting will be live-streamed.
Board of Education Work Session
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
6:30 p.m.
530 Liberty St.
Meeting will be live-streamed.
Please click on the link to open Superintendent Dr. Cotto's update for the week ending June 12.
Stay cool and have a great weekend.
Stay cool and have a great weekend.
Beat the Heat ☀️
Extreme heat is forecasted for our area. Staying cool isn't just about comfort. It's essential for your health.
If you don't have air conditioning at home, there are designated public spaces you can visit.
Please check on your neighbors. Look out for older adults and those who live alone.
Extreme heat is forecasted for our area. Staying cool isn't just about comfort. It's essential for your health.
If you don't have air conditioning at home, there are designated public spaces you can visit.
Please check on your neighbors. Look out for older adults and those who live alone.
🌮 Lunch Menu Updates 🌮
Click the link to see updates to next week's elementary and middle school lunch menus
https://www.schenectadyschools.org/page/2023-menus
Click the link to see updates to next week's elementary and middle school lunch menus
https://www.schenectadyschools.org/page/2023-menus
Due to the extreme heat expected, Friday, June 12 will be a half day of school for all students.
The safety and well-being of our students and staff are our top priorities. Dismissal will follow our standard half-day schedule.
As we navigate this period of high temperatures, we urge all families to take the necessary safety precautions:
> Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you do not feel thirsty.
>Limit Outdoor Activity: Avoid prolonged outdoor activity, especially during peak heat hours.
> Dress Appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, and light-colored clothing to help stay cool.
> Vehicle Safety: Never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles for any amount of time.
> Check on Loved Ones: Please check in regularly on children, older adults, and individuals with underlying health concerns who may be more vulnerable to the heat.
The safety and well-being of our students and staff are our top priorities. Dismissal will follow our standard half-day schedule.
As we navigate this period of high temperatures, we urge all families to take the necessary safety precautions:
> Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you do not feel thirsty.
>Limit Outdoor Activity: Avoid prolonged outdoor activity, especially during peak heat hours.
> Dress Appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, and light-colored clothing to help stay cool.
> Vehicle Safety: Never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles for any amount of time.
> Check on Loved Ones: Please check in regularly on children, older adults, and individuals with underlying health concerns who may be more vulnerable to the heat.
💧 Make a splash this summer🏊♂️✨
Registration is OPEN for our Summer Learn to Swim Classes! This program is a fantastic opportunity for students to build confidence, have fun, and learn vital water safety skills.
📋 The Details:
Who: Open to all Schenectady City School District Elementary & Middle School students.
When: 6 weekly sessions to choose from (July 6 – August 14).
Format: Daily 45-minute classes. You pick the week and time slot that works best for your family.
Where: Schenectady High School Pool (Enter through Door 19).
🚨 Important Note for Non-SCSD / South Colonie Families: Openings are prioritized for district students. However, if you are a Schenectady resident whose child attends another school, or a South Colonie family, you can still submit your interes. We will reach out to you if spots remain available after district registration closes.
Register Here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfFb6aJ9655_4-HUq9y4WF86ljO4q8xV8Lo3IhounnWuIE_6w/viewform
Registration is OPEN for our Summer Learn to Swim Classes! This program is a fantastic opportunity for students to build confidence, have fun, and learn vital water safety skills.
📋 The Details:
Who: Open to all Schenectady City School District Elementary & Middle School students.
When: 6 weekly sessions to choose from (July 6 – August 14).
Format: Daily 45-minute classes. You pick the week and time slot that works best for your family.
Where: Schenectady High School Pool (Enter through Door 19).
🚨 Important Note for Non-SCSD / South Colonie Families: Openings are prioritized for district students. However, if you are a Schenectady resident whose child attends another school, or a South Colonie family, you can still submit your interes. We will reach out to you if spots remain available after district registration closes.
Register Here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfFb6aJ9655_4-HUq9y4WF86ljO4q8xV8Lo3IhounnWuIE_6w/viewform
This Saturday: Looking for a fun, meaningful way to connect and give back? Join us for a FREE Creative Movement and Rock Painting Interactive Workshop! Let’s expand our capacity to be in service to our amazing community together.
🗓️ Sat. June 13th | Noon – 2PM at SCSD Family Opportunity Center (1104 Webster St.)
🗓️ Sat. June 13th | Noon – 2PM at SCSD Family Opportunity Center (1104 Webster St.)
Grades 9-12 Summer School: If your student needs or may need summer school, please scan the QR code on this flyer to submit your interest. (Counselor contact info and phone extensions are also found within the form once you scan).
This is the required first step to get your student registered. Once completed, your student's school counselor will reach out to finalize details!
This is the required first step to get your student registered. Once completed, your student's school counselor will reach out to finalize details!
📈 GOOD LUCK, TEAM SCHENECTADY! 🔔💼
We want to wish thebest of luck to our Schenectady High School team, Dubraj Basant, Khareena Girdhari, Lyric Robison, and Marcus Williams, who are competing today in the National JA Stock Market Challenge in Boston. 📊✨
Reaching the national stage is a massive achievement, and we are so incredibly proud of the hard work, sharp financial skills, and dedication this team has shown to get here.
We are rooting for you all the way from home. Trade smart, have fun, and show them what you can do.
#GoPatriots #SchenectadyProud
We want to wish thebest of luck to our Schenectady High School team, Dubraj Basant, Khareena Girdhari, Lyric Robison, and Marcus Williams, who are competing today in the National JA Stock Market Challenge in Boston. 📊✨
Reaching the national stage is a massive achievement, and we are so incredibly proud of the hard work, sharp financial skills, and dedication this team has shown to get here.
We are rooting for you all the way from home. Trade smart, have fun, and show them what you can do.
#GoPatriots #SchenectadyProud
This week’s Teacher of the Week is Sara Russ! Sara has been a 5th grade teacher at MLK for 18 years. Thank you for your dedication, Sara!
To learn more about the passionate people in our district and explore our strategic plan, visit this link: https://www.schenectadyschools.org/page/strategic-plan-2024-2030
#passionatepeople #SCSDstrategicplan ❤️💙
To learn more about the passionate people in our district and explore our strategic plan, visit this link: https://www.schenectadyschools.org/page/strategic-plan-2024-2030
#passionatepeople #SCSDstrategicplan ❤️💙
🥍 ⚡️ REGISTER NOW FOR SUMMER GIRLS LACROSSE
Registration is OPEN for the SMS Lighting Girls Lacrosse Summer Session
New players welcome!
Who: Girls in Grades K-12
Cost: 100% FREE!
Equipment: Provided!
Click the link to sign up: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfav6JHvZwXjZWt0r_QovXxnIc9JM840TFnZfeQau46E2OhxQ/viewform?pli=1
Registration is OPEN for the SMS Lighting Girls Lacrosse Summer Session
New players welcome!
Who: Girls in Grades K-12
Cost: 100% FREE!
Equipment: Provided!
Click the link to sign up: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfav6JHvZwXjZWt0r_QovXxnIc9JM840TFnZfeQau46E2OhxQ/viewform?pli=1
If you are looking for free, enriching activities to keep the kids engaged, check out the attached flyer from the Schenectady County Public Library (SCPL).
Happy Pride Month! 🌈✨
June is here, and we are celebrating the beautiful diversity, history, and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community. Pride isn’t just about the parades and the rainbows (though we love those too), it's about honoring the activists who paved the way, standing up for equality, and ensuring everyone feels safe, seen, and celebrated exactly as they are.
Whether you are celebrating loudly with community, reflecting quietly, or still figuring out your journey, please know that you belong here. Today, this month, and every single day.
Let's keep lifting each other up, practicing empathy, and spreading love. Happy Pride, everyone! ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜
#PrideMonth #Pride2026 #LoveIsLove #CelebrateDiversity #CommunityFirst
June is here, and we are celebrating the beautiful diversity, history, and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community. Pride isn’t just about the parades and the rainbows (though we love those too), it's about honoring the activists who paved the way, standing up for equality, and ensuring everyone feels safe, seen, and celebrated exactly as they are.
Whether you are celebrating loudly with community, reflecting quietly, or still figuring out your journey, please know that you belong here. Today, this month, and every single day.
Let's keep lifting each other up, practicing empathy, and spreading love. Happy Pride, everyone! ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜
#PrideMonth #Pride2026 #LoveIsLove #CelebrateDiversity #CommunityFirst
Happy Monday! We hope you all had a fantastic, fun-filled weekend!
Here is your Monday reminder that there are only 18 days left until the official last day of school for the district! Now is the time to lock in, finish strong, and get your work done so you can fully enjoy a well-deserved summer break. Let's start the countdown right by showing up for all 5 days this week!
Parents and guardians, if you need support motivating your child to attend school, please reach out to your student’s teacher, counselor, or your school’s attendance specialist. Click the link to learn more about why attendance matters:
https://www.schenectadyschools.org/page/projectbehere-attendance-matters
#projectbehere #SchenectadyShowsUp #EveryDayCounts
Here is your Monday reminder that there are only 18 days left until the official last day of school for the district! Now is the time to lock in, finish strong, and get your work done so you can fully enjoy a well-deserved summer break. Let's start the countdown right by showing up for all 5 days this week!
Parents and guardians, if you need support motivating your child to attend school, please reach out to your student’s teacher, counselor, or your school’s attendance specialist. Click the link to learn more about why attendance matters:
https://www.schenectadyschools.org/page/projectbehere-attendance-matters
#projectbehere #SchenectadyShowsUp #EveryDayCounts
Please click on the link to open Superintendent Dr. Cotto's update for the week ending June 5:
https://www.schenectadyschools.org/o/scsd/page/superintendents-update-june-05-2026
https://www.schenectadyschools.org/o/scsd/page/superintendents-update-june-05-2026
📈 BOSTON BOUND! Schenectady High is Heading to Nationals! 🗽✈️
Huge congratulations to Schenectady High School students Dubraj Basant, Khareena Girdhari, Lyric Robison, and Marcus Williams! They have officially qualified as finalists for the 2026 JA National Stock Market Challenge!
After beating out over 500 local students at the regional competition at UAlbany, this powerhouse team is heading to Boston from June 8-11 to represent Junior Achievement of Northeastern New York on the national stage.
Huge congratulations to Schenectady High School students Dubraj Basant, Khareena Girdhari, Lyric Robison, and Marcus Williams! They have officially qualified as finalists for the 2026 JA National Stock Market Challenge!
After beating out over 500 local students at the regional competition at UAlbany, this powerhouse team is heading to Boston from June 8-11 to represent Junior Achievement of Northeastern New York on the national stage.
🚨 FIRST-TEAM ALL-STAR ALERT🚨
Huge congratulations are in order for Schenectady senior Marcus Williams, who has been voted to the First Team Colonial Council as a defenseman for the 2026 lacrosse season🥍💥
Locking down an All-Star nod in a highly competitive league is no small feat.
Thank you for leaving it all on the field, Marcus. The Schenectady community is incredibly proud of your hard work, grit, and leadership. ❤️🤍💙
Huge congratulations are in order for Schenectady senior Marcus Williams, who has been voted to the First Team Colonial Council as a defenseman for the 2026 lacrosse season🥍💥
Locking down an All-Star nod in a highly competitive league is no small feat.
Thank you for leaving it all on the field, Marcus. The Schenectady community is incredibly proud of your hard work, grit, and leadership. ❤️🤍💙
