Small Steps, Big Futures: Attendance in Pre-K & Kindergarten 🎒✨
It might feel like "just play," but every day in Pre-K and Kindergarten is a building block for a lifetime of learning. When our youngest learners are in class, they aren't just playing—they’re discovering how to read, solve problems, and build friendships.
Why Every Day Matters for Little Learners:
Building Brain Power: Early literacy and math skills are taught through hands-on activities that can't be sent home in a folder.
Social Skills: School is where they learn to share, take turns, and follow routines—the "hidden curriculum" of life!
The Attendance Habit: Starting strong in Pre-K creates a "showing up" mindset that lasts all the way through graduation.
Did You Know? Students who attend school regularly in Kindergarten are much more likely to read on grade level by the 3rd grade.
We love seeing your child’s smiling face in school every day! 🍎
It might feel like "just play," but every day in Pre-K and Kindergarten is a building block for a lifetime of learning. When our youngest learners are in class, they aren't just playing—they’re discovering how to read, solve problems, and build friendships.
Why Every Day Matters for Little Learners:
Building Brain Power: Early literacy and math skills are taught through hands-on activities that can't be sent home in a folder.
Social Skills: School is where they learn to share, take turns, and follow routines—the "hidden curriculum" of life!
The Attendance Habit: Starting strong in Pre-K creates a "showing up" mindset that lasts all the way through graduation.
Did You Know? Students who attend school regularly in Kindergarten are much more likely to read on grade level by the 3rd grade.
We love seeing your child’s smiling face in school every day! 🍎
We hope everyone had a fantastic winter break! We were so excited to welcome you back this morning (even with the little delay!). ❄️
After some well-deserved rest and recharge, it’s time to get back on track. Let’s start this next chapter of the school year off right—we can’t wait to see you here every day 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
After some well-deserved rest and recharge, it’s time to get back on track. Let’s start this next chapter of the school year off right—we can’t wait to see you here every day 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
Reminder
Board of Education Work Session
Wednesday, February 25
6:30 p.m.
Agenda: https://go.boarddocs.com/ny/schenectady/Board.nsf/files/DRGPN66561B4/$file/Agenda%202.25.26.pdf
Meeting will be live-streamed.
Whether you're coming to cheer for your favorite teacher or to see the students take the win, you won't want to miss this showdown. 🏀
Who are you rooting for?
📅 Event Details
When: March 6th @ 4:00 PM
Where: Schenectady High School Gymnasium
Student Tickets: $3
Adult Tickets: $5
Who are you rooting for?
📅 Event Details
When: March 6th @ 4:00 PM
Where: Schenectady High School Gymnasium
Student Tickets: $3
Adult Tickets: $5
The Legend of the "Kid from Schenectady"
The Los Angeles Lakers have unveiled a statue of Pat Riley outside their downtown arena to honor the head coach who masterminded their Showtime championship era.
Before he was "The Godfather" of the NBA, Pat Riley was a standout at our very own Linton High School. During the dedication ceremony, the 80-year-old icon grew emotional reflecting on his journey from New York to the pinnacle of Hollywood basketball.
"When I was told that the kid from Schenectady, New York, would be honored here in the plaza of stars... I fell to my knees, humbled and sobbed," Riley shared. "Significance doesn't come from comfort. It comes from adversity, from discipline, from refusing to be ordinary."
Read the story>> https://apnews.com/article/pat-riley-statue-lakers-a1dda35672fbd210fc7e54ac300086b3
Congratulations Pat Riley!
The Los Angeles Lakers have unveiled a statue of Pat Riley outside their downtown arena to honor the head coach who masterminded their Showtime championship era.
Before he was "The Godfather" of the NBA, Pat Riley was a standout at our very own Linton High School. During the dedication ceremony, the 80-year-old icon grew emotional reflecting on his journey from New York to the pinnacle of Hollywood basketball.
"When I was told that the kid from Schenectady, New York, would be honored here in the plaza of stars... I fell to my knees, humbled and sobbed," Riley shared. "Significance doesn't come from comfort. It comes from adversity, from discipline, from refusing to be ordinary."
Read the story>> https://apnews.com/article/pat-riley-statue-lakers-a1dda35672fbd210fc7e54ac300086b3
Congratulations Pat Riley!
Schenectady schools will open on a two-hour delay today, Monday, February 23 .
Classes will begin two hours later than normal.
Bus Pick-up: Scheduled stops will occur 2 hours later than the usual time.
It’s time to celebrate one of Schenectady's own. We are incredibly proud to spotlight Tuffy Latour, a Linton High School Class of 1986 graduate, who has reached the pinnacle of international sports as an assistant coach with the Team USA bobsledding team.
Tuffy isn't just a participant in the world of high-speed sliding, He is a titan of the sport. Coming from a legendary bobsledding lineage—his grandfather was a 1948 Olympian—Tuffy has carried the torch forward with a career that spans decades and multiple Olympic Games.
Tuffy has been the mastermind behind some of the most iconic moments in U.S. sliding history. He was the driving coach for the U.S. women’s team that won a gold medal at the 2002 Salt Lake City Games.
Once a Blue Devil, always a champion.
Read the Daily Gazette story: https://www.dailygazette.com/sports/linton-grad-latour-thrilled-to-have-another-olympic-experience-with-team-usa-bobsledding/article_7f5ba083-4cba-4ed6-a4d2-a1ecdd2e8ae1.html
A Message to Our Families: Our Schools are Safe Havens
In the Schenectady City School District, the safety and well-being of every student is our highest priority. We recognize that recent conversations and events surrounding immigration can create uncertainty, and we want to take this opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to the children and families we serve.
Our Commitment to You:
* Safe Learning Spaces: Our schools will remain protected environments focused on growth and education.
* Inclusive Environment: We are dedicated to ensuring every student, regardless of background, feels secure and supported.
* Established Protocols: We have clear procedures in place to protect the integrity of our school buildings as safe spaces for all.
We are proud to serve the diverse families of Schenectady. Together, we ensure that Everybody Counts.
🔗 For more information on our district policies and support, visit: https://www.schenectadyschools.org/page/community-support-and-resource-center
In the Schenectady City School District, the safety and well-being of every student is our highest priority. We recognize that recent conversations and events surrounding immigration can create uncertainty, and we want to take this opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to the children and families we serve.
Our Commitment to You:
* Safe Learning Spaces: Our schools will remain protected environments focused on growth and education.
* Inclusive Environment: We are dedicated to ensuring every student, regardless of background, feels secure and supported.
* Established Protocols: We have clear procedures in place to protect the integrity of our school buildings as safe spaces for all.
We are proud to serve the diverse families of Schenectady. Together, we ensure that Everybody Counts.
🔗 For more information on our district policies and support, visit: https://www.schenectadyschools.org/page/community-support-and-resource-center
🍳 Get Cooking with Cooley!
Looking to sharpen your culinary skills and pick up some healthy habits? Join us for an evening of flavor and fun at Mont Pleasant Middle School!
Live cooking demonstrations where you’ll learn how to whip up delicious meals like a pro. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned home chef, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Event Details:
📅 Date: February 27, 2026
⏰ Time: 5:30 p.m.
📍 Location: Mont Pleasant Middle School
⚠️ Important Information:
Space for this event is s limited to ensure a great experience for all participants. Don't miss out on your chance to grab a seat at the table.
Ready to get started?
👉 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdGNN2Ah1w2vnX3mVORNrdtQ8nuAQe-IwbVikaRKM3qhsuXQw/viewform
Looking to sharpen your culinary skills and pick up some healthy habits? Join us for an evening of flavor and fun at Mont Pleasant Middle School!
Live cooking demonstrations where you’ll learn how to whip up delicious meals like a pro. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned home chef, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Event Details:
📅 Date: February 27, 2026
⏰ Time: 5:30 p.m.
📍 Location: Mont Pleasant Middle School
⚠️ Important Information:
Space for this event is s limited to ensure a great experience for all participants. Don't miss out on your chance to grab a seat at the table.
Ready to get started?
👉 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdGNN2Ah1w2vnX3mVORNrdtQ8nuAQe-IwbVikaRKM3qhsuXQw/viewform
Celebrate heritage, culture, and community! 🌍✨
Join us for the Black History Month Celebration
February 25
5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Mont Pleasant Middle School
Join us for the Black History Month Celebration
February 25
5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Mont Pleasant Middle School
Join us for the Mont Pleasant Middle School Resource Night. Whether you’re looking for school district support, local community programs, or family services, we’re bringing everything together under one roof to help your family thrive.
🗓️ Event Details:
When: February 26
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Where: Mont Pleasant Middle School
Meet Community Partners: Discover local organizations offering youth programs and family aid.
Build Connections: Meet other MPMS families and staff in a welcoming environment.
Don't miss out on this chance to empower your family and see what our community has to offer! 🤝
#MPMS #MontPleasant #CommunityStrong #SchenectadySchools #FamilyResourceNight
🗓️ Event Details:
When: February 26
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Where: Mont Pleasant Middle School
Meet Community Partners: Discover local organizations offering youth programs and family aid.
Build Connections: Meet other MPMS families and staff in a welcoming environment.
Don't miss out on this chance to empower your family and see what our community has to offer! 🤝
#MPMS #MontPleasant #CommunityStrong #SchenectadySchools #FamilyResourceNight
Attention 7th and 8th graders! It is time to get ready for the modified spring sports season!
⚾ Baseball (Boys)
🥎 Softball (Girls)
🏃 Track and Field (Girls/Boys)
🏈 Flag Football (Girls)
🎾 Tennis (Girls/Boys)
Need help getting signed up? Join Coach Yaco and Coach Sanchez for in-person sign ups
📍 Where: Central Park Middle School – Main Lobby
📅 Date: February 24th, 2026
🕓 Time: 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Open to ALL middle school students
⚾ Baseball (Boys)
🥎 Softball (Girls)
🏃 Track and Field (Girls/Boys)
🏈 Flag Football (Girls)
🎾 Tennis (Girls/Boys)
Need help getting signed up? Join Coach Yaco and Coach Sanchez for in-person sign ups
📍 Where: Central Park Middle School – Main Lobby
📅 Date: February 24th, 2026
🕓 Time: 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Open to ALL middle school students
Our February Break Mobile Pantry starts today! Stop by one of our locations this week for fresh produce and pantry staples while supplies last! 🍴🧺
Ramadan begins this evening and continues through the evening of March 19. Wishing all in the Schenectady community who celebrate a peaceful and productive Ramadan.
Join the team at Schenectady City School District. We are hosting a Job Fair on Wednesday, February 18th from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at 530 Liberty St. We are hiring nurses, safety staff, teaching assistants and more. Bring your printed resume for immediate interviews. 🍎
🎒 Limited Pre-K Openings Available Now!
Do you have a little learner ready to start their educational journey? We have a limited number of immediate openings for our Pre-K program for the current 2025-2026 school year.
This is a fantastic opportunity for your child to build social skills, spark creativity, and develop a love for learning in a supportive environment.
📝 Why Join Our Pre-K?
Hands-on Learning: Engaging activities that make school fun.
Social Growth: Building friendships and teamwork skills early.
Expert Educators: Dedicated staff focused on early childhood development.
📍 How to Apply
Visit: https://schenectady.infinitecampus.org/campus/apps/olr/application/login/kiosk-app-type
Call: Student Registration Office, (518)-881-3771
Do you have a little learner ready to start their educational journey? We have a limited number of immediate openings for our Pre-K program for the current 2025-2026 school year.
This is a fantastic opportunity for your child to build social skills, spark creativity, and develop a love for learning in a supportive environment.
📝 Why Join Our Pre-K?
Hands-on Learning: Engaging activities that make school fun.
Social Growth: Building friendships and teamwork skills early.
Expert Educators: Dedicated staff focused on early childhood development.
📍 How to Apply
Visit: https://schenectady.infinitecampus.org/campus/apps/olr/application/login/kiosk-app-type
Call: Student Registration Office, (518)-881-3771
🏮 Happy Lunar New Year! 🏮
Wishing our community a year filled with prosperity, longevity, and new beginnings. As we welcome the Year of the Horse, may your spirit be as strong and your pace as swift as you chase your goals in 2026.
🧧 Wishing You:
Good Fortune: May your hard work be rewarded.
Great Health: Strength and energy for the journey ahead.
Peace: A harmonious home and a focused mind.
Happy New Year! 🧧✨
#LunarNew Year #YearOfTheHorse #Prosperity #NewBeginnings #Celebration
Wishing our community a year filled with prosperity, longevity, and new beginnings. As we welcome the Year of the Horse, may your spirit be as strong and your pace as swift as you chase your goals in 2026.
🧧 Wishing You:
Good Fortune: May your hard work be rewarded.
Great Health: Strength and energy for the journey ahead.
Peace: A harmonious home and a focused mind.
Happy New Year! 🧧✨
#LunarNew Year #YearOfTheHorse #Prosperity #NewBeginnings #Celebration
💗Students from Yates and Hamilton crossed social-emotional learning and Valentine's Day for a fun lesson. They listened to "A Little Spot of Love" and drew a picture of how they can show love at school.
Congratulations to the new inductees of the SHS Tri-M Music Honor Society who were inducted this past Wednesday evening. Tri-M recognizes students for their academic and musical achievements, leadership and desire to serve their community through music. The induction ceremony was led by the current Tri-M officers and included several musical performances by current members.
Please click on the link to open Superintendent Dr. Cotto's update for this week: https://www.schenectadyschools.org/o/scsd/page/superintendents-update-february-13-2026
Have a great recess!
Have a great recess!
