COMMUNITY NOTE
Rotterdam Schenectady Youth Lacrosse is holding a free lacrosse clinic for boys in grades K-6.
See Flyer for details.
Rotterdam Schenectady Youth Lacrosse is holding a free lacrosse clinic for boys in grades K-6.
See Flyer for details.
Good afternoon and welcome to another week! We hope you used Monday to rest and recharge so you could come back ready for the days ahead. As we wrap up the first day of the school week, let’s make it a priority to show up and stay engaged for the rest of the week—especially since we missed Monday. Let’s make ourselves proud and earn the fun weekend that’s right around the corner!
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
!! Speeding Violation Text Scam Alert !!
Please be advised of a new phishing scam targeting our community. Several residents have reported receiving text messages claiming to be an "official speeding violation notice."
How the Scam Works
The message typically states that a speed camera recorded you exceeding the limit and claims a fine remains unpaid. It then provides a payment link to settle the balance immediately to avoid further penalties.
What You Need to Know
Do NOT click the link: These links are designed to steal your credit card information or install malware on your device.
Government agencies don't text to collect fines: Official traffic citations are almost exclusively sent via U.S. Mail. Government entities will never ask for payment via a suspicious link.
Please be advised of a new phishing scam targeting our community. Several residents have reported receiving text messages claiming to be an "official speeding violation notice."
How the Scam Works
The message typically states that a speed camera recorded you exceeding the limit and claims a fine remains unpaid. It then provides a payment link to settle the balance immediately to avoid further penalties.
What You Need to Know
Do NOT click the link: These links are designed to steal your credit card information or install malware on your device.
Government agencies don't text to collect fines: Official traffic citations are almost exclusively sent via U.S. Mail. Government entities will never ask for payment via a suspicious link.
This past weekend, 53 middle and high school SCSD students were selected to participate in the SCMA All County Music festival. In addition, Joel Zombia, grade 7 CMPS, was selected as first chair Violist in the orchestra. Congratulations to all of our All County students!
Due to a water main break in the Woodlawn community, Woodlawn will be closed today, Tuesday, January 27. Repair is underway. The main is expected to be repaired by this evening. Classes will resume on Wednesday. Thank you.
Due to the winter storm and poor travel conditions forecasted through Monday afternoon, schools will be closed tomorrow, Monday, January 26. Please be warm and stay safe.
Happy Friday!
Please click on the link to open Superintendent Dr. Cotto's update for this week: https://www.schenectadyschools.org/o/scsd/page/superintendents-update-january-23-2026
Have a great weekend.
Please click on the link to open Superintendent Dr. Cotto's update for this week: https://www.schenectadyschools.org/o/scsd/page/superintendents-update-january-23-2026
Have a great weekend.
Did you know that consistent school attendance is one of the biggest predictors of reading success? It’s true! When students are in class, they aren't just "present" they are building the vocabulary, phonics, and comprehension skills that serve as the foundation for everything else.
Missing just 2 days a month can make it harder for a student to keep up with reading levels.
Strong attendance ensures kids don't miss out on "aha!" moments in the classroom.
Reading opens doors, but you have to walk through the school doors first. Let’s work together to make every day count!
#SCSDReads #AttendanceMatters #EveryDayCounts #projectbehere
Missing just 2 days a month can make it harder for a student to keep up with reading levels.
Strong attendance ensures kids don't miss out on "aha!" moments in the classroom.
Reading opens doors, but you have to walk through the school doors first. Let’s work together to make every day count!
#SCSDReads #AttendanceMatters #EveryDayCounts #projectbehere
Literacy is a team sport. While our teachers work hard to build reading skills in the classroom, the most important "reading lab" is the one at home.
Whether it’s a bedtime story, reading the back of a cereal box, or visiting the local library, every word shared makes a difference. Research shows that consistent reading outside of school hours significantly impacts a student's long-term academic success. Let’s work together to make sure every Schenectady student has the support they need to become a lifelong reader.
Whether it’s a bedtime story, reading the back of a cereal box, or visiting the local library, every word shared makes a difference. Research shows that consistent reading outside of school hours significantly impacts a student's long-term academic success. Let’s work together to make sure every Schenectady student has the support they need to become a lifelong reader.
This week’s Passionate Person of the Week is Jonna Miller , a dedicated Restorative Practices Specialist at Pleasant Valley. We’re grateful for her commitment and care for our students! Thank you, Jonna!
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 ❤️💙
Community Note
New Choices Recovery Center offer free Active Parenting virtual classes
>> See Flyers
The Hidden Connection: Why Attendance is the Foundation of Literacy
When we talk about literacy, we often focus on phonics, vocabulary, and reading comprehension. But there is a silent prerequisite for all of these skills: Showing up.
The relationship between school attendance and reading proficiency isn’t just a coincidence. It’s a direct correlation that can shape a child’s entire academic journey.
Every day a student is in class is another day they are building the skills to unlock the world through reading.
Reading is the gateway to all other learning. Attendance is the key that opens that gate.
Community Note:
Schenectady YMCA Women's Basketball League
Sundays, February 22 - May 3
>> See Flyer for details
Schenectady YMCA Women's Basketball League
Sundays, February 22 - May 3
>> See Flyer for details
This week’s Teacher of the Week is Samantha Shaw! Samantha has been a dedicated 4th grade teacher at Woodlawn for 4 years!
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 ❤️💙
Students in Mr. O!’s Art class at Schenectady High School created a series of artworks inspired by the theme of “Dreams,” currently on display at Proctors for the month of January only. Check it out!
📝 Register for Family Literacy Saturdays.📚 Spend Saturday learning with fun literacy and reading activities that can be done at home with your child.
Meetings will take place at Pleasant Valley Elementary but are open to all. The program will meet four consecutive Saturdays but families can sign up for any amount.
Click here to register https://docs.google.com/forms/u/0/d/1isvsydcrU1u4B-B6H4GItG5vtE7HTGEaMgD6-gbUBlQ/viewform?ts=69611299&edit_requested=true
Meetings will take place at Pleasant Valley Elementary but are open to all. The program will meet four consecutive Saturdays but families can sign up for any amount.
Click here to register https://docs.google.com/forms/u/0/d/1isvsydcrU1u4B-B6H4GItG5vtE7HTGEaMgD6-gbUBlQ/viewform?ts=69611299&edit_requested=true
Community Event
National Girls & Women In Sports Day
Saturday, January 31, 2 - 3:30 p.m.
M&T Bank Center at Mohawk Harbor
Free admission to Union Women's Hockey v s. Yale
>> See Flyer
National Girls & Women In Sports Day
Saturday, January 31, 2 - 3:30 p.m.
M&T Bank Center at Mohawk Harbor
Free admission to Union Women's Hockey v s. Yale
>> See Flyer
Community Note
Schenectady YMCA Girls Skills and Drills
Sundays, February 22 through May 3
>> See Flyer for Details
Schenectady YMCA Girls Skills and Drills
Sundays, February 22 through May 3
>> See Flyer for Details
📝 The Power of the Pen: Literacy in Action
Did you know that the physical act of writing helps the brain process and retain information better than typing? 🧠✨
Literacy isn't just about reading words on a page; it’s about expressing our own voices. When students put pen to paper, they aren't just practicing letters—they are building the neural pathways that help them become stronger readers and clearer thinkers.
Looking for a quick way to support literacy at home today?
> Write a "Mini-Review": After reading a chapter or a book, have your student write three sentences about their favorite part.
> The Grocery List Game: Have your child help write the weekly list. It’s practical phonics in action!
> Journaling: Five minutes of "free writing" can spark a lifetime of creativity.
Let’s keep our students reading, writing, and growing! 📚✍️
Did you know that the physical act of writing helps the brain process and retain information better than typing? 🧠✨
Literacy isn't just about reading words on a page; it’s about expressing our own voices. When students put pen to paper, they aren't just practicing letters—they are building the neural pathways that help them become stronger readers and clearer thinkers.
Looking for a quick way to support literacy at home today?
> Write a "Mini-Review": After reading a chapter or a book, have your student write three sentences about their favorite part.
> The Grocery List Game: Have your child help write the weekly list. It’s practical phonics in action!
> Journaling: Five minutes of "free writing" can spark a lifetime of creativity.
Let’s keep our students reading, writing, and growing! 📚✍️
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING
The Board of Education will hold a Special Meeting on Thursday, January 22, 6:30 p.m. at 530 Liberty St.
An agenda will be posted on Board Docs as soon as it becomes available.
> Live- stream link: https://www.youtube.com/live/5C34HPrC7dA
The Board of Education will hold a Special Meeting on Thursday, January 22, 6:30 p.m. at 530 Liberty St.
An agenda will be posted on Board Docs as soon as it becomes available.
> Live- stream link: https://www.youtube.com/live/5C34HPrC7dA
