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
Your next opportunity starts here. 💼✨ Stop by the SCSD Job Fair TOMORROW starting at 2 PM to learn more about open positions and interview on the spot.
Good afternoon! We hope you all enjoyed a great long weekend and had a productive first day back. With the extra day of recovery, let’s make it a goal to show up to school for the rest of the week and stay on top of our work—so we can head into the weekend feeling relaxed and stress-free.
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
The Blue Roses Theatre Company is proud to announce the world premiere of ABANDONWARE: A NEW PLAY by Joseph Ahmed
The Story: Meet Ava, an introverted teen whose retro-gaming streams are finally catching fire. But the high score takes a backseat when she discovers a hidden piece of her past: her late, estranged father was a game developer... and Ava is a character in one of his creations.
Would you hit 'Start'? Ava did. And now she can't stop.
🗓️ Performance Schedule
Location: William W. Ziskin Black Box Theater at SHS
Thursday, Feb 5: 7:00pm (Stay for a special talkback with playwright Joseph Ahmed!)
Friday, Feb 6: 7:00pm
Saturday, Feb 7: 2:00pm & 7:00pm
✨ Behind the Scenes
This production has been a true collaboration! Back in December, our cast worked directly with Joseph Ahmed to help shape the characters and visual world of the play. Don't miss the chance to hear about the process during our Opening Night talkback on February 5th.
📍 Check the poster for ticket info and more details!
#BlueRosesTheatre #Abandonware #NewPlay #StudentTheatre #WorldPremiere #RetroGaming
The Story: Meet Ava, an introverted teen whose retro-gaming streams are finally catching fire. But the high score takes a backseat when she discovers a hidden piece of her past: her late, estranged father was a game developer... and Ava is a character in one of his creations.
Would you hit 'Start'? Ava did. And now she can't stop.
🗓️ Performance Schedule
Location: William W. Ziskin Black Box Theater at SHS
Thursday, Feb 5: 7:00pm (Stay for a special talkback with playwright Joseph Ahmed!)
Friday, Feb 6: 7:00pm
Saturday, Feb 7: 2:00pm & 7:00pm
✨ Behind the Scenes
This production has been a true collaboration! Back in December, our cast worked directly with Joseph Ahmed to help shape the characters and visual world of the play. Don't miss the chance to hear about the process during our Opening Night talkback on February 5th.
📍 Check the poster for ticket info and more details!
#BlueRosesTheatre #Abandonware #NewPlay #StudentTheatre #WorldPremiere #RetroGaming
"Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education." — Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 🕊️🍎
Today, we honor the life, legacy, and enduring vision of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. As a school district, we are inspired by his belief that education is the foundation for a more just and equitable world.
We encourage our students and families to take this day to reflect on how we can all use our voices and our hearts to build a more "Beloved Community" here in Schenectady.
#MLKDay #SCSD #SchenectadyRising #EducationForJustice #LegacyOfLove
Today, we honor the life, legacy, and enduring vision of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. As a school district, we are inspired by his belief that education is the foundation for a more just and equitable world.
We encourage our students and families to take this day to reflect on how we can all use our voices and our hearts to build a more "Beloved Community" here in Schenectady.
#MLKDay #SCSD #SchenectadyRising #EducationForJustice #LegacyOfLove
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-16-2026
Reminder: No school Monday in observance of MLK Day
Reminder: No school Monday in observance of MLK Day
Congratulations to Cadet Lieutenant Colonel Anderson Seram, a fourth-year Cadet who is proudly serving his second year as Corps Commander. Between his junior and senior years, Anderson earned a highly competitive, full U.S. Air Force scholarship to attend the Flight Academy in Walla Walla, Washington, highlighting his commitment to academic and leadership excellence.
Anderson has made a lasting impact through his service and involvement. He has completed more than 195 community service hours, participated in over 100 Color Guard ceremonies for the school and local community, and supported numerous flag details, including more than 70 flag-raising and lowering ceremonies at the high school. His dedication reflects a deep sense of responsibility and pride in service.
In addition, Anderson has represented Schenectady High School JROTC at multiple regional and national Drill competitions, earning numerous first- and second-place finishes. He was also recognized by the Daughters of the American Revolution at the national level for his academic achievement, leadership in JROTC, and commitment to volunteering. Anderson consistently steps up when something needs to be done and continues to demonstrate the qualities of a strong, dependable leader.
Thank you, Anderson, for showing our students and community that nothing is impossible with hard work and determination!
#Studentsuccess #Alumnisuccess #Schenectadyrising ✈️ ❤️💙
Anderson has made a lasting impact through his service and involvement. He has completed more than 195 community service hours, participated in over 100 Color Guard ceremonies for the school and local community, and supported numerous flag details, including more than 70 flag-raising and lowering ceremonies at the high school. His dedication reflects a deep sense of responsibility and pride in service.
In addition, Anderson has represented Schenectady High School JROTC at multiple regional and national Drill competitions, earning numerous first- and second-place finishes. He was also recognized by the Daughters of the American Revolution at the national level for his academic achievement, leadership in JROTC, and commitment to volunteering. Anderson consistently steps up when something needs to be done and continues to demonstrate the qualities of a strong, dependable leader.
Thank you, Anderson, for showing our students and community that nothing is impossible with hard work and determination!
#Studentsuccess #Alumnisuccess #Schenectadyrising ✈️ ❤️💙
**REMINDER**
There will be no school on Monday, January 19, in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
As we honor Dr. King’s life and legacy, we encourage our school community to reflect on his message of equality, justice, and service to others.
Today is the last day to register for February STEAM Camp.
You can register online now: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSezauksautQGZJbPQXQO-EqhL7qGxw_gmdmEA83OqHs18hF1g/viewform
You can register online now: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSezauksautQGZJbPQXQO-EqhL7qGxw_gmdmEA83OqHs18hF1g/viewform
This week’s Passionate Person of the Week is Kristin Mills , a dedicated social worker at Yates. We’re grateful for her commitment and care for our students! Thank you, Kristin!
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 Event
........................................
Reclaim MLK Day
Monday, January 19
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
603 State St.
........................................
Reclaim MLK Day
Monday, January 19
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
603 State St.
Celebrating Excellence in Education! 🍎✨
Last night, before our Board of Education meeting, members of our school community came together to honor our 2026 Teacher of the Year, Linda Garrigan.
Linda represents the very best of SCSD. Her dedication to her students, her innovative approach to the classroom, and her unwavering commitment make her a true inspiration to student, families, and colleagues.
Congratulations, Linda, on this well-deserved recognition. We are so proud to have you on our team.
#PassionatePeople #TeacherOfTheYear #SchenectadyRising #EducationExcellence #TeacherAppreciation
