When we read to our youngest learners, we aren't just teaching them to recognize letters. We are building the architecture of their minds. Early literacy is the single greatest predictor of academic success across all subjects, including math and science.
Why Early Reading Matters:
> The Vocabulary Gap: By age 3, children who are read to regularly have heard millions more words than those who aren't. This "word wealth" makes it easier for them to understand complex ideas later on.
> Brain Wiring: Literacy experiences literally strengthen the neural pathways in the brain responsible for language processing and emotional intelligence.
> Empathy and Worldview: Books allow children to "walk in someone else's shoes," helping them develop social-emotional skills and an understanding of the world beyond their front door.
> Confidence: Children who enter first grade with strong pre-literacy skills (like holding a book correctly or identifying rhymes) feel more confident and less frustrated as lessons get harder.
#literacy #read #schenectadyreads
Information Night
Tuesday, March 10
5:30 p.m., 530 Liberty St.
> Please RSVP for info night here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1k6e4rI74nJJsKOXzVdsAikg1YmtJQbm1vIn7qvMchms/viewform?edit_requested=true
> More about Pre-K and how to apply for the lottery: https://www.schenectadyschools.org/page/prekindergarten
While it might seem like "just a day of play," every day in the classroom is a building block for your child's future.
Why Every Day Counts:
> Brain Power: Early literacy and math skills are taught in sequence. Missing one day can make the next lesson feel like a puzzle with missing pieces.
> Social Connections: Consistent attendance helps children build friendships and learn how to navigate social cues and teamwork.
> The "Success Habit": Showing up on time and ready to learn builds a routine that carries them all the way through high school and beyond.
> Language Development: Our classrooms are "language-rich" environments. Every hour spent at school exposes your child to thousands of new words and concepts.
Let’s work together to give our littlest learners the best start possible! 🎒✨
#projectbehere #schenectadyshowsup #attendance
Register today: >>https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdFNWm6UCZwZoOqvwpz0ihH3TRnAV_sxgRjXX8bZGkb5S00Ew/viewform?fbzx=3683259869437273576
Over winter break, Mr. Sangaré from CMPS, and Mr. MBodj from SHS, led 8 Schenectady High School students on a transformative educational experience in Dakar, Senegal.
Students engaged in immersive learning that connected them history and culture. During the trip, students visited major cultural and historical sites, including Goree Island and the slave house. Students also participated in an academic exchange day at two local high schools in Dakar.
We provide breakfast and lunch for all students, plus transportation for those who qualify. Host sites include Van Corlaer, Paige, and Yates. Space is limited, so visit our website or click the link below!
https://www.schenectadyschools.org/page/innovation-equity-and-engagement
Thank you to the parents, staff, and community members who joined us for the Receivership Public Hearings last night. Your engagement is the most important ingredient in our success! 🌟
As Superintendent Cotto shared, this designation is not a "takeover," but is a state-supported opportunity to bring "turbocharged" resources and flexibility to our students at Pleasant Valley and Lincoln Elementary.
Missed the meeting? We’ve got you covered. Visit our dedicated Receivership website to find:
✅ Full video recordings of the hearings
✅ Presentation slides and data
✅ FAQs and facts to dispel common myths
Our mission is to ensure every student thrives. Let’s continue this partnership!
🔗 https://www.schenectadyschools.org/page/receivership
🏫 Myth vs. Reality: Understanding School Receivership
There is a lot of talk about "receivership," but what does it actually mean for our students and our neighborhood?
The Short Answer: It’s not a "takeover. " It’s a step up in support. 🚀
*** You can learn more by attending or watching the livestream of the hearings being held this evening. Information here: https://www.schenectadyschools.org/article/2720238 ***
Think of receivership as an intensive, state-supported intervention. It’s a partnership designed to provide our schools with the "extra" they need to thrive. Here is how it actually works:
✅ It’s a Partnership, Not a Takeover
Receivership isn't about moving management away. It’s about bringing state-level resources closer. It connects our school with specialized funding, professional development, and technical experts to accelerate student improvement.
🛠️ Unlocking New Tools
Sometimes, the "old way" of doing things creates barriers. A Superintendent Receiver is granted special powers to cut through red tape and implement structural changes that make sense for our students.
🗣️ Community at the Center
One of the most important parts of this process is the Community Engagement Team (CET). This ensures that parents, teachers, and local leaders have a direct seat at the table. Your voice is the compass for every resource we deploy.
🌟 The Bottom Line
Receivership is a commitment to equity and an opportunity for a school unlock potential by receiving additional support.
We are moving forward, together. 🤝
We will be sharing more information as we move forward.
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 ❤️💙
Check out our program’s quarterly newsletter to see all the exciting projects and hands-on activities our students have been working on.
Looking for a spot for the current school year? We have a limited number of immediate openings in our Pre-K program for the remainder of the 2025-2026 School Year! Register now by clicking on the link below.
>> https://schenectady.infinitecampus.org/campus/apps/olr/application/login/kiosk-app-type
Questions? Student Registration Office, (518)-881-3771
Varsity Girls Basketball tips off their Sectional Game tomorrow @ Colonie at 5 p.m.
Tickets can be purchased here 🔗 https://gofan.co/event/5773398?schoolId=NYSPHSAAII
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 ❤️💙
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! 🍎
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
Who are you rooting for?
📅 Event Details
When: March 6th @ 4:00 PM
Where: Schenectady High School Gymnasium
Student Tickets: $3
Adult Tickets: $5
