Schenectady City School District

Interested in programs at Proctors for acting, film, journalism, or digital media? Check out the Acting Academy and Media Lab — two exciting after-school opportunities for Schenectady City School District students in grades 6–8. Both programs run Monday through Thursday, October to May, from 3:30 to 5:30 PM, with transportation and snacks provided.

In Acting Academy, students dive into theatre, improv, and performance while building confidence and creativity. In Media Lab, students explore filmmaking, podcasting, and digital storytelling using professional equipment and editing software. Learn more or register at collaborativeschoolofthearts.org

Good afternoon ... Please click on the link to open Superintendent Cotto's update for this week: https://www.schenectadyschools.org/page/superintendents-update-september-5-2025

Have a great weekend.

Congrats to Superintendent Cotto! He's been recognized by the National Fellowship for Black and Latino Male Educators (NFBLME) as one of the most powerful Black and Latino male educators in the nation. We are incredibly proud of his dedication and leadership, and the lasting impact he's making in education.

Interested in Continuing Education classes?

The 2025-26 Continuing Education Catalogue is hitting mailboxes this week.

This catalogue contains a number of courses that are available to members of the Schenectady Community. Please note, our new location is at 80 Nott Terrace in downtown Schenectady (former Clarkson University building).

Courses Include:
GED
Business and Investing
English as a Second Language
Houseflipping 101
Defensive Driving and more!

➡️ https://www.schenectadyschools.org/article/2392239

Attention 2025 graduates and families! Below you’ll find the full photo albums captured by our district staff!

June: https://photos.app.goo.gl/piccH5Vcci8xVBQi8

August: https://photos.app.goo.gl/5R4hR37DSn2Ng6az9

Thank you to Kathleen Moore from the Times Union for visiting the new Steinmetz Freshman Leadership Academy on opening day.

Read story here: https://www.timesunion.com/education/article/schenectady-opens-steinmetz-academy-freshmen-21028915.php

Welcome to a New School Year!

We are excited to welcome you to the first day of the 2025-2026 school year!

Just a friendly reminder that tomorrow, Thursday, September 4th, is the first day of school for all students in all grades.

We can't wait to see everyone tomorrow.

WELCOME BACK!!!!

Please click on the link to open Superintendent Cotto's welcome video message: https://www.schenectadyschools.org/page/superintendents-update-september-3-2025

We look forward to seeing all of our students tomorrow and wish everyone a great school year.

🎒Thank you to our community partners at County Waste for their generous donation of backpacks and school supplies for our students.

🚨 We're hiring! Join us at the SCSD Job Fair on Sept 17, 2025 | 2–4PM at 530 Liberty St, Schenectady, NY. Immediate interviews for Nurses, Teachers, Paraprofessionals & more! Walk-ins welcome—bring your resume! 🔗 schenectady.recruitfront.com/JobOpportunities

On this Labor Day, we celebrate the spirit of hard work that builds our communities. We are incredibly grateful for the dedication of our entire district team, as well as the parents, caregivers, and community members who support our schools every day. It's the combined effort hat makes our district strong. Wishing everyone a restful and enjoyable day! #LaborDay2025 #CommunityStrong #Education

Starting September 1st, when you purchase a reusable community bag at Hannaford (Only at 333 Consaul Rd), $1 will be donated to the SCSD Educational Foundation. Your small act of sustainability directly supports local students by funding valuable academic opportunities. 🌱📖

Registration is open for After School Programs at the following schools:

* Hamilton
* Howe
* Keane
* MLK (Will be available soon)
* Van Corlaer
* Woodlawn
* Yates
* Zoller

Go here for your school info: https://www.schenectadyschools.org/article/2383057

📚More back to school event highlights from around the district this week. Thank you to all of the families who came out for orientations and BBQs.

📫 In your mailbox: Spotlight on Schenectady 24-25 📖This magazine shines a light 🔦 on the amazing accomplishments of students and staff from last school year, including: 🎓Class of 2025 🍎State Teacher of the Year 🤖SHS Combat Robotics

We are pleased share the following Appointment Announcements:

* John Pizzo, Principal of Pleasant Valle Elementary School

* Sara Straub, Assistant Principal of Big Picture Learning

More here: https://www.schenectadyschools.org/article/2382565

Join us every 4th Thursday this summer at Jerry Burrell Park in Schenectady, NY for Movies on the Hill—a free, family-friendly outdoor film series dedicated to building community through the arts. Presented by Narley Neighbors, this grassroots nonprofit event brings neighbors together with music by DJ A.R. Dollar, fun starting at 6:30 PM, and movies at dusk. Bring your blankets and chairs and enjoy this year’s remaining lineup: Godzilla x Kong TONIGHT, and Crooklyn on 9/25! 🎬🍿

We are holding a Family Information Session regarding the new Cell Phone Policy tonight, Thursday, August 28, 6 p.m. at the Family and Community Engagement Center, 530 Liberty St.

Jon us and learn about the policy, reasons for distraction-free schools, expectations, how to communicate, and ask your questions.

🎾 Community Open Tennis 🎾
📍Schenectady High School courts
🗓 Mondays and Wednesdays, 7 - 8 a.m.
*Excludes holidays