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 ❤️💙
Did you know that reading for just 20 minutes a day exposes a child to nearly 2 million words per year? Literacy is about more than just books—it’s about building the critical thinking skills our students need to navigate the world, from science and math to the arts and beyond.
How you can help at home:
* Read together: Even 10 minutes before bed makes a massive difference.
* Talk it out: Ask your child questions about the stories they read to build comprehension.
* Be a role model: Let your kids see you reading—whether it’s a novel, a news article, or a recipe!
Let’s work together to ensure every Schenectady student has the tools to write their own bright future. ✍️✨
2026-2027 Pre-K Registration is OPEN!
The Schenectady City School District is now accepting applications for our free, full-day Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) program for the 2026-2027 school year!
Who is eligible? ✅ Children who will be 3 or 4 years old on or before Dec. 1, 2026. ✅ Must be a resident of the Schenectady City School District.
Key Dates to Remember: 🗓️ Registration Window: Jan. 5 – April 13, 2026 ⏰ Lottery Deadline: April 13, 2026, at 4:00 PM 🎲 Lottery Drawing: May 1, 2026
Seats are limited and filled via a random lottery. Don’t wait—start your registration today to ensure your child is included in the drawing!
Apply Online or Learn More: 🔗 SCSD Pre-K Information & Application>> https://www.schenectadyschools.org/page/prekindergarten
Wednesday, January 14, 6:30 p.m.
530 Liberty St.
Agenda: https://go.boarddocs.com/ny/schenectady/Board.nsf/files/DQ6RA26CFBD2/$file/Agenda%201.14.26.pdf
Meeting will be live-streamed.
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
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
Open to 3 and 4 year olds
See flyer for details!
Register here>> https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSePS1yXXDYypaI4A5pObj-u_1gmwkk9MFMNTY4HY5Uj2lq5Xw/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
Program Update and Academic Informational Meeting
Parents and Players
Thursday, January 29
6 p.m.
SHS Auditorium
📅 Event Details:
What: Step-by-Step Homebuyer Seminar
When: Wednesday, January 14
Time: 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Where: Keane Elementary School
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
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 ❤️💙
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
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
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.
