Please click on the link to open Superintendent Dr. Cotto's update for the week ending March 6, 2026: https://www.schenectadyschools.org/o/scsd/page/superintendents-update-march-06-2026

TONIGHT: Whether you're coming to cheer for your favorite teacher or to see the students take the win, you won't want to miss this showdown. 🏀
Who are you rooting for?
📅 Event Details
When: TONIGHT @ 4:00 PM
Where: Schenectady High School Gymnasium
Student Tickets: $3
Adult Tickets: $5
Who are you rooting for?
📅 Event Details
When: TONIGHT @ 4:00 PM
Where: Schenectady High School Gymnasium
Student Tickets: $3
Adult Tickets: $5

Modified Track and Field Season begins on March 23. Practices are held Monday through Friday at Mont Pleasant and transportation is provided. Contact Coach Valentine for more info. Valentineb@Schenectadyschools.org

📖✨ Big things happen when our big kids meet our little ones! Today, our amazing Mont Pleasant 8th graders visited Ms. DiBiase’s class at Pleasant Valley to kick off March Read Aloud Month!
We love seeing our older students lead by example and inspire a love for reading in the next generation. Supporting our literacy goals one story at a time!
#SchenectadyReads #Literacy #Reading
We love seeing our older students lead by example and inspire a love for reading in the next generation. Supporting our literacy goals one story at a time!
#SchenectadyReads #Literacy #Reading








March is "Music in Our Schools Month" and we're celebrating with our annual Schenectady Music Faculty Recital!
🗓 3/11
📍Oneida MS Aud
⏰ 7 p.m.
🎟Free Admission
Donations accepted at the door to support SCSD Friends of Music
🗓 3/11
📍Oneida MS Aud
⏰ 7 p.m.
🎟Free Admission
Donations accepted at the door to support SCSD Friends of Music

Want to give your child a 1.8-million-word head start? 🚀 It’s easier than you think!
👉 Point as you go: Trace the words to bridge the gap between sounds and symbols.
🖼️ Talk about the art: Ask "What happens next?" to build those critical thinking muscles.
😊 Keep it fun: 10 minutes of joyful reading is better than 30 minutes of "forced" practice.
The 20-Minute Rule: Reading just 20 minutes a day exposes a child to nearly 1.8 million words per year. That is a massive head start.
#schenectadyreads #literacyiskey
👉 Point as you go: Trace the words to bridge the gap between sounds and symbols.
🖼️ Talk about the art: Ask "What happens next?" to build those critical thinking muscles.
😊 Keep it fun: 10 minutes of joyful reading is better than 30 minutes of "forced" practice.
The 20-Minute Rule: Reading just 20 minutes a day exposes a child to nearly 1.8 million words per year. That is a massive head start.
#schenectadyreads #literacyiskey

💡 Tips for a Smooth Morning:
> Prep the night before: Lay out clothes and pack backpacks together.
> Early to bed: A consistent sleep schedule makes waking up much easier.
> Talk it up: Use positive language about school to get your child excited for the day.
The Big Goal: We want to see our students every day!. If your family is facing challenges getting to school , please reach out. We are here to partner with you.
> Prep the night before: Lay out clothes and pack backpacks together.
> Early to bed: A consistent sleep schedule makes waking up much easier.
> Talk it up: Use positive language about school to get your child excited for the day.
The Big Goal: We want to see our students every day!. If your family is facing challenges getting to school , please reach out. We are here to partner with you.

Our most recent alumni spotlight is Yashmini Sewpersaud!
Since graduating, Yashmini has built an impressive career as a Business Analyst for the New York State Department of Information Technology Services.
Congratulations on all your success, Yashmini!
#studentsuccess 🎓⭐
Since graduating, Yashmini has built an impressive career as a Business Analyst for the New York State Department of Information Technology Services.
Congratulations on all your success, Yashmini!
#studentsuccess 🎓⭐

Get ready for an extraordinary evening as we welcome world-class Brazilian violinist Nathan Amaral to Mont Pleasant Middle School on Thursday, March 12th at 7:30 PM! This incredible concert is FREE for our community, thanks to the Schenectady City School District’s partnership with The Schenectady Foundation. Bringing a musician of this caliber to our district offers students and families a unique window into Brazilian culture and the universal language of the arts. 🎻🇧🇷

Happy Holi to all in the Schenectady community who celebrate.

Calling all Keane families! 🚀✨
Get ready to explore, create, and innovate because STEAM Night is almost here! Join us for an evening of hands-on fun as we dive into Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math.
📅 When: Thursday, March 5
⏰ Time: 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
📍 Where: Keane Elementary
Whether you're a budding scientist or a master builder, there’s something for everyone to discover. Don't miss out on the excitement—we can't wait to see our scholars in action🧪🎨⚙️
Get ready to explore, create, and innovate because STEAM Night is almost here! Join us for an evening of hands-on fun as we dive into Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math.
📅 When: Thursday, March 5
⏰ Time: 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
📍 Where: Keane Elementary
Whether you're a budding scientist or a master builder, there’s something for everyone to discover. Don't miss out on the excitement—we can't wait to see our scholars in action🧪🎨⚙️

Due to weather and road conditions, all after-school activities and events are cancelled for today, March 3.
Please travel safely
.
Please travel safely
.

Nothing says passion like 105 SCSD staff members showing up on a Saturday 🚀 Our 4th Annual Patriot Tech Camp was an incredible day of growth focused on instructional technology. With 21 dynamic sessions covering a broad range of integration strategies, there was something for everyone. A huge shoutout to our staff presenters who shared their expertise and fueled this energizing event.
#passionatepeople



Whether you're coming to cheer for your favorite teacher or to see the students take the win, you won't want to miss this showdown. 🏀
Who are you rooting for?
📅 Event Details
When: March 6th @ 4:00 PM
Where: Schenectady High School Gymnasium
Student Tickets: $3
Adult Tickets: $5
Who are you rooting for?
📅 Event Details
When: March 6th @ 4:00 PM
Where: Schenectady High School Gymnasium
Student Tickets: $3
Adult Tickets: $5

The Schenectady City School District is hosting a job fair on March 18, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at 530 Liberty St. Openings include nursing, safety, maintenance, and teaching assistant roles, with immediate interviews available for walk-in candidates!

This week’s Teacher of the Week is Daronda Brown! Daronda has been a dedicated math teacher at Paige for 2 years. Thank you for your dedication to our students, Daronda!
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 ❤️💙

🗓️ MARK YOUR CALENDARS: Upcoming Dates
🌸 Wednesday, March 4: No School
All schools and the District Office will be CLOSED in observance of Phagwa/Holi . We wish a vibrant and joyful celebration to all in our community celebrating the Festival of Colors!
🏫 Friday, March 6: Half Day (Pre-K–5)
There will be a Half Day for all students in grades Pre-K through 5 due to Parent-Teacher Conferences.
🌸 Wednesday, March 4: No School
All schools and the District Office will be CLOSED in observance of Phagwa/Holi . We wish a vibrant and joyful celebration to all in our community celebrating the Festival of Colors!
🏫 Friday, March 6: Half Day (Pre-K–5)
There will be a Half Day for all students in grades Pre-K through 5 due to Parent-Teacher Conferences.

🎲Highlights from Oneida Middle School's Family Game Night held last week.




📖 Literacy: The Foundation of Everything
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
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

Pre-K Information Night is a great way to learn about our Universal Pre-K Program and all it has to offer. We will help you enroll for the 2026-27 program if you haven't already. We are here to support you throughout the process.
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
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

