Parenting has its tough moments, but you don't have to navigate them alone! 💡
The SCSD Crisis Prevention Team is hosting a Tantrum Taming Online Parent Workshop to share helpful strategies, tips, and support for managing challenging behaviors.
🗓 Dates: October 23 | November 20 | December 18
⏰ Time: 11:00 AM
📍 Location: Online
⚠️ Advance registration is required!
📲 Check out the flyer for details and registration info
The SCSD Crisis Prevention Team is hosting a Tantrum Taming Online Parent Workshop to share helpful strategies, tips, and support for managing challenging behaviors.
🗓 Dates: October 23 | November 20 | December 18
⏰ Time: 11:00 AM
📍 Location: Online
⚠️ Advance registration is required!
📲 Check out the flyer for details and registration info
We are pleased to share the administrative announcement regarding Meaghan Espinoza, who was appointed Assistant Principal at Lincoln Elementary School by the Board of Education last Wednesday.
Please click here to read the full announcement: https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/2760/Scsd/62c8fa52-49d0-4d95-b3fc-d5db5c82ef7c/Meghan-Espinoza.pdf?disposition=inline
Please join us in congratulating Meaghan on her new leadership role.
Please click here to read the full announcement: https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/2760/Scsd/62c8fa52-49d0-4d95-b3fc-d5db5c82ef7c/Meghan-Espinoza.pdf?disposition=inline
Please join us in congratulating Meaghan on her new leadership role.
Check out our Zoller students and staff celebrating the Big Apple Crunch! 🍎 🎉 This annual event brings communities together to crunch on fresh New York apples at the exact same time. It's a fun way to support local farmers and promote healthy eating!
This week is National School Board Appreciation Week! We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the members of our Board of Education.
Board members spend countless hours behind the scenes making thoughtful decisions, supporting our staff, and advocating for the best interests of every student. Their guidance and commitment lay the foundation for our students’ success and growth.
Thank you to our board members for their visionary leadership, hard work, and continued passion for our schools. We are truly grateful for all that they do!
#schenectadyrising
Board members spend countless hours behind the scenes making thoughtful decisions, supporting our staff, and advocating for the best interests of every student. Their guidance and commitment lay the foundation for our students’ success and growth.
Thank you to our board members for their visionary leadership, hard work, and continued passion for our schools. We are truly grateful for all that they do!
#schenectadyrising
Our Passionate Person of the Week is Maria Westbrook, Social Worker at MLK! Maria has been with the district for almost 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
🎓 Financial Aid Completion Night – November 5!
📣 Calling ALL Schenectady City School District High School Seniors and families!
Join us on Thursday, November 5, from 5:00–8:00 PM in the Schenectady High School Main Campus Library (1445 The Plaza) for FREE, one-on-one assistance completing your FAFSA and NYS TAP financial aid applications!
Not sure what your plans are after graduation? That's okay! Completing financial aid applications doesn't mean you're committing to college. It means you're exploring your options! Knowing what financial assistance you may qualify for can open doors and help you make informed decisions about your future.
⏰ Don't miss out! Some financial aid opportunities have time-sensitive deadlines. You don't have to know your next step to find out what's possible!
📅 Appointments are required! Families can schedule a 30-minute appointment between 5:00 and 8:00 PM. Students should plan to attend with a parent/guardian to complete the application process. Students who are independent or have special circumstances may be eligible to complete the process without parental information. Please contact us to discuss your situation.
Once scheduled, families will receive appointment reminders and a list of documents and information to bring.
📞 Schedule your appointment today! Call the SHS Counseling Office at 518-881-2044 (option 5) or email bristoll@schenectadyschools.org.
Keep your options open. Know what's available. Make the choice that's right for YOU!
📣 Calling ALL Schenectady City School District High School Seniors and families!
Join us on Thursday, November 5, from 5:00–8:00 PM in the Schenectady High School Main Campus Library (1445 The Plaza) for FREE, one-on-one assistance completing your FAFSA and NYS TAP financial aid applications!
Not sure what your plans are after graduation? That's okay! Completing financial aid applications doesn't mean you're committing to college. It means you're exploring your options! Knowing what financial assistance you may qualify for can open doors and help you make informed decisions about your future.
⏰ Don't miss out! Some financial aid opportunities have time-sensitive deadlines. You don't have to know your next step to find out what's possible!
📅 Appointments are required! Families can schedule a 30-minute appointment between 5:00 and 8:00 PM. Students should plan to attend with a parent/guardian to complete the application process. Students who are independent or have special circumstances may be eligible to complete the process without parental information. Please contact us to discuss your situation.
Once scheduled, families will receive appointment reminders and a list of documents and information to bring.
📞 Schedule your appointment today! Call the SHS Counseling Office at 518-881-2044 (option 5) or email bristoll@schenectadyschools.org.
Keep your options open. Know what's available. Make the choice that's right for YOU!
Thanks to collaboration with local transportation vendors, we will be providing bus transportation home this afternoon for all students who normally receive it.
All after-school programs will run as scheduled, and transportation will be provided.
Because some drivers will be covering new or adjusted routes, buses may arrive at stops a bit later than usual. We appreciate your understanding if drop-off times are slightly delayed.
Thank you once again for your patience, flexibility, and cooperation.
All after-school programs will run as scheduled, and transportation will be provided.
Because some drivers will be covering new or adjusted routes, buses may arrive at stops a bit later than usual. We appreciate your understanding if drop-off times are slightly delayed.
Thank you once again for your patience, flexibility, and cooperation.
This weeks Teacher of the Week is Susan Steciak! Susan has been teaching in our district for 19 years and is currently a special education teacher at Big Picture. Thank you for all you do for our students, Susan!
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
🚨 IMPORTANT TRANSPORTATION UPDATE 🚨
Durham School Services has experienced severe vandalism overnight, impacting their entire fleet. As a result, Durham buses will be unable to run routes this morning.
Police are currently on-scene investigating, and we are working with alternative bus vendors to secure backup transportation.
If you are able, we strongly encourage you to drive, carpool, or walk your student to school today.
We sincerely apologize for this disruption and appreciate your patience and cooperation as we work through this unexpected situation.
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
Today, the Schenectady City School District recognizes and honors Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
We celebrate the rich histories, cultures, and enduring contributions of Native peoples across the nation and right here in our region.
As an educational community committed to equity, inclusion, and continuous learning, we are dedicated to honoring Indigenous history not just today, but in our classrooms throughout the school year.
Join us in reflecting on, celebrating, and learning from Indigenous leaders, past and present! 🧡
We celebrate the rich histories, cultures, and enduring contributions of Native peoples across the nation and right here in our region.
As an educational community committed to equity, inclusion, and continuous learning, we are dedicated to honoring Indigenous history not just today, but in our classrooms throughout the school year.
Join us in reflecting on, celebrating, and learning from Indigenous leaders, past and present! 🧡
🤳🏾Dr. Cotto was happy to connect with so many students and families at sporting events and out in the community last week. Fall sports continue next week, there is still time to catch a game or meet.
Please click on the link to open Superintendent Dr. Cotto's update for the week ending October 9.: https://www.schenectadyschools.org/page/update-template-october-09-2026
Have a great weekend. There is no school Monday and district offices are closed.
Have a great weekend. There is no school Monday and district offices are closed.
🐴 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.
