Please click on the link to open Superintendent Dr. Cotto's update for the week ending January 9: https://www.schenectadyschools.org/o/scsd/page/superintendents-update-january-9-2026
2026-2027 PRE-K INFO.
Big news for our littlest learners! Information regarding our Pre-K program for the upcoming school year is now available.
The Schenectady City School District offers a free, full-day Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) program for eligible 3-year-old and 4-year-old children who reside in the district. Seats are limited and admission will be determined via a random lottery. Families will have the opportunity to rank order their preferred location.
Children must be district residents and meet the following age requirements:
UPK 3 Year Old Program: A child must be 3 years of age on or before December 1st of the year in which they are enrolled.
UPK 4 Year Old Program: A child must be 4 years of age on or before December 1st of the year in which they are enrolled. Children eligible for kindergarten in 2026–2027 are not eligible for the 4-year-old UPK program.
***2026-2027 UPK Registration***
The registration and lottery application for the 2026–2027 UPK program is now open. We are currently in the process of finalizing our UPK sites and the number of available seats. At this time, families should begin the registration process to ensure access to the lottery.
>> https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Ali-elZNF80y1T91mtqdZV2rXxtc8j5Ctv8cE4y04AA/edit?tab=t.0
Big news for our littlest learners! Information regarding our Pre-K program for the upcoming school year is now available.
The Schenectady City School District offers a free, full-day Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) program for eligible 3-year-old and 4-year-old children who reside in the district. Seats are limited and admission will be determined via a random lottery. Families will have the opportunity to rank order their preferred location.
Children must be district residents and meet the following age requirements:
UPK 3 Year Old Program: A child must be 3 years of age on or before December 1st of the year in which they are enrolled.
UPK 4 Year Old Program: A child must be 4 years of age on or before December 1st of the year in which they are enrolled. Children eligible for kindergarten in 2026–2027 are not eligible for the 4-year-old UPK program.
***2026-2027 UPK Registration***
The registration and lottery application for the 2026–2027 UPK program is now open. We are currently in the process of finalizing our UPK sites and the number of available seats. At this time, families should begin the registration process to ensure access to the lottery.
>> https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Ali-elZNF80y1T91mtqdZV2rXxtc8j5Ctv8cE4y04AA/edit?tab=t.0
MBK Early Readiness Program
Open to 3 and 4 year olds
See flyer for details!
Register here>> https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSePS1yXXDYypaI4A5pObj-u_1gmwkk9MFMNTY4HY5Uj2lq5Xw/viewform
Open to 3 and 4 year olds
See flyer for details!
Register here>> https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSePS1yXXDYypaI4A5pObj-u_1gmwkk9MFMNTY4HY5Uj2lq5Xw/viewform
February Steam Camp Registration is open.
Serving students in grades K-5
Camp will be held February 17 - 20.
See Flyer for Detail.
Click on link to register now: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSezauksautQGZJbPQXQO-EqhL7qGxw_gmdmEA83OqHs18hF1g/viewform
Serving students in grades K-5
Camp will be held February 17 - 20.
See Flyer for Detail.
Click on link to register now: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSezauksautQGZJbPQXQO-EqhL7qGxw_gmdmEA83OqHs18hF1g/viewform
Schenectady Football
Program Update and Academic Informational Meeting
Parents and Players
Thursday, January 29
6 p.m.
SHS Auditorium
Program Update and Academic Informational Meeting
Parents and Players
Thursday, January 29
6 p.m.
SHS Auditorium
Whether you're a first-time buyer or just looking for a refresher on the current market, this seminar is designed to empower you with the tools and knowledge you need.
📅 Event Details:
What: Step-by-Step Homebuyer Seminar
When: Wednesday, January 14
Time: 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Where: Keane Elementary School
📅 Event Details:
What: Step-by-Step Homebuyer Seminar
When: Wednesday, January 14
Time: 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Where: Keane Elementary School
The SHS Hiking Club will be holding a Chipotle Fundraiser on Sunday, February 1 from 4-8 pm at the Chipotle on Balltown Rd. in Schenectady/Niskayuna.
How You Can Help at Home: You don’t need a huge library to make an impact. Just 20 minutes a day of reading together—whether it’s a bedtime story, a graphic novel, or even a cereal box—makes a world of difference.
Why it's important to be here: Consistent attendance is the secret ingredient to literacy. Every time a student is in class, they participate in read-alouds, phonics lessons, and group discussions that build their reading stamina. We can’t teach them if they aren’t here.
#ProjectBeHere #SchenectadyReads #LiteracyMatters #SchenectadyShowsUp
Why it's important to be here: Consistent attendance is the secret ingredient to literacy. Every time a student is in class, they participate in read-alouds, phonics lessons, and group discussions that build their reading stamina. We can’t teach them if they aren’t here.
#ProjectBeHere #SchenectadyReads #LiteracyMatters #SchenectadyShowsUp
Your next opportunity starts here. 💼✨ Stop by the SCSD Job Fair on January 21st starting at 2 PM to learn more about open positions and interview on the spot.
This week’s Teacher of the Week is Adam Bazycki! Adam has been a dedicated math teacher at Onedia MS for 21 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 ❤️💙
Reading is more than a skill—it’s a superpower. 📚
Literacy is the foundation of all learning. When we encourage a love for reading, we aren't just teaching a child to decode words; we are giving them the keys to explore new worlds, develop empathy, and think critically about the world around them.
Whether it’s a bedtime story or a high school novel, every page turned is a step toward a brighter future. Let’s keep our community reading.
#LiteracyMatters #ReadMore #SchenectadyReads
Literacy is the foundation of all learning. When we encourage a love for reading, we aren't just teaching a child to decode words; we are giving them the keys to explore new worlds, develop empathy, and think critically about the world around them.
Whether it’s a bedtime story or a high school novel, every page turned is a step toward a brighter future. Let’s keep our community reading.
#LiteracyMatters #ReadMore #SchenectadyReads
January is School Board Appreciation Month, and we want to take a moment to say thank you to the individuals who volunteer their time to guide our district.
Being a school board member is often a thankless job that involves long meetings, tough decisions, and a tireless commitment.. They aren't just policy makers. They are neighbors, parents, and advocates for our future.
Join us in thanking the members of our Board of Education for all they do for our district and community. And let's not forget our Student Board Representatives.
#SchoolBoardAppreciation #ThankYou #StudentSuccess #CommunityLeaders
✨ You’re Invited! ✨
We’re excited to welcome Schenectady 8th grade students and their families to learn more about the Early College in the High School Program.
📍 SUNY Schenectady
🗓 Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.
👨👩👧👦 Family Information Session
This is a great opportunity to explore how students can earn college credit, challenge themselves academically, and prepare for the future.
📝 All application materials are due by January 20 at 5 PM.
🔗 https://tinyurl.com/27kjjp6y
Welcome back students! We hope you all had an amazing holiday, and are feeling rested and refreshed for the year to come. This year, lets make it a priority to go to class!
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
Welcome Back and Happy New Year
We hope you all had a wonderful, restful holiday break and enjoyed some quality time with family and friends. It is hard to believe that 2026 is already here.
As we prepare to head back into the classroom, let’s make a commitment to start the new year off right. Let's all start 2026 by being here and having consistent attendance for the remainder for the school year. Being present every day ensures that students stay engaged, keep up with their lessons, and remain connected to our school community.
Important Reminder: First day back is Monday, January 5
We are so excited to see everyone’s faces again and to dive into all the great things we have planned for the coming months. Let’s make this our best year yet.
We hope you all had a wonderful, restful holiday break and enjoyed some quality time with family and friends. It is hard to believe that 2026 is already here.
As we prepare to head back into the classroom, let’s make a commitment to start the new year off right. Let's all start 2026 by being here and having consistent attendance for the remainder for the school year. Being present every day ensures that students stay engaged, keep up with their lessons, and remain connected to our school community.
Important Reminder: First day back is Monday, January 5
We are so excited to see everyone’s faces again and to dive into all the great things we have planned for the coming months. Let’s make this our best year yet.
Happy New Year and welcome to 2026! 🎉✨ We hope you all had a fantastic New Year’s Eve and are enjoying the rest of your break. We can’t wait to see you soon!
Attention: Students headed to 9th grade in the fall
Big Picture Schenectady is now accepting interest forms for students who will be 9th graders in Fall 2026.
The interest form should be completed for any current 8th grader who is interested in Big Picture next year.
👉 Fill out the Interest Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScyd5az6Rt1d-SIDO_Ovk4aKMKdc4tDdcjOshDGd6338tDi3g/viewform
⚠️ Submission Deadline: January 20, 2026
🤝 Community Note: Safe Inc. of Schenectady
In a moment of crisis, knowing where to turn is the first step toward safety. Whether you are facing a personal emergency or just don't know where to go next, Safe Inc. of Schenectady is here to ensure no one in our community has to navigate a struggle alone.
How They Can Help
Safe Inc. specializes in providing a safety net for youth and families, but their mission extends to anyone in need of direction. Their services include:
Immediate Crisis Intervention: Support when you need it most.
Safe Housing & Shelter: Connections to emergency housing for those in unstable situations.
Resource Referrals: If they can’t provide the specific service you need, they will find the organization that can.
Youth Outreach: Dedicated programs for at-risk street youth.
Counseling Referrals
Employment Assistance
In any crisis, they can help—or refer you to someone who can.
In a moment of crisis, knowing where to turn is the first step toward safety. Whether you are facing a personal emergency or just don't know where to go next, Safe Inc. of Schenectady is here to ensure no one in our community has to navigate a struggle alone.
How They Can Help
Safe Inc. specializes in providing a safety net for youth and families, but their mission extends to anyone in need of direction. Their services include:
Immediate Crisis Intervention: Support when you need it most.
Safe Housing & Shelter: Connections to emergency housing for those in unstable situations.
Resource Referrals: If they can’t provide the specific service you need, they will find the organization that can.
Youth Outreach: Dedicated programs for at-risk street youth.
Counseling Referrals
Employment Assistance
In any crisis, they can help—or refer you to someone who can.
Wishing a joyous Kwanzaa to all our students, families, and staff celebrating! 🕯️ We join you in honoring the principles of unity, community, and heritage during this special week. Habari Gani! ❤️🖤💚
#Kwanzaa #SchenectadySchools #Unity
#Kwanzaa #SchenectadySchools #Unity
Wishing a very Merry Christmas to all of our students, families, staff, and community members who are celebrating today.
We hope your day is filled with the warmth of family, the joy of friendship, and plenty of wonderful memories. May the spirit of the season bring peace and happiness to your home. 🎁❤️
#MerryChristmas
We hope your day is filled with the warmth of family, the joy of friendship, and plenty of wonderful memories. May the spirit of the season bring peace and happiness to your home. 🎁❤️
#MerryChristmas
