Congratulations to Cadet Lieutenant Colonel Anderson Seram, a fourth-year Cadet who is proudly serving his second year as Corps Commander. Between his junior and senior years, Anderson earned a highly competitive, full U.S. Air Force scholarship to attend the Flight Academy in Walla Walla, Washington, highlighting his commitment to academic and leadership excellence.
Anderson has made a lasting impact through his service and involvement. He has completed more than 195 community service hours, participated in over 100 Color Guard ceremonies for the school and local community, and supported numerous flag details, including more than 70 flag-raising and lowering ceremonies at the high school. His dedication reflects a deep sense of responsibility and pride in service.
In addition, Anderson has represented Schenectady High School JROTC at multiple regional and national Drill competitions, earning numerous first- and second-place finishes. He was also recognized by the Daughters of the American Revolution at the national level for his academic achievement, leadership in JROTC, and commitment to volunteering. Anderson consistently steps up when something needs to be done and continues to demonstrate the qualities of a strong, dependable leader.
Thank you, Anderson, for showing our students and community that nothing is impossible with hard work and determination!
#Studentsuccess #Alumnisuccess #Schenectadyrising ✈️ ❤️💙
Anderson has made a lasting impact through his service and involvement. He has completed more than 195 community service hours, participated in over 100 Color Guard ceremonies for the school and local community, and supported numerous flag details, including more than 70 flag-raising and lowering ceremonies at the high school. His dedication reflects a deep sense of responsibility and pride in service.
In addition, Anderson has represented Schenectady High School JROTC at multiple regional and national Drill competitions, earning numerous first- and second-place finishes. He was also recognized by the Daughters of the American Revolution at the national level for his academic achievement, leadership in JROTC, and commitment to volunteering. Anderson consistently steps up when something needs to be done and continues to demonstrate the qualities of a strong, dependable leader.
Thank you, Anderson, for showing our students and community that nothing is impossible with hard work and determination!
#Studentsuccess #Alumnisuccess #Schenectadyrising ✈️ ❤️💙
**REMINDER**
There will be no school on Monday, January 19, in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
As we honor Dr. King’s life and legacy, we encourage our school community to reflect on his message of equality, justice, and service to others.
Today is the last day to register for February STEAM Camp.
You can register online now: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSezauksautQGZJbPQXQO-EqhL7qGxw_gmdmEA83OqHs18hF1g/viewform
You can register online now: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSezauksautQGZJbPQXQO-EqhL7qGxw_gmdmEA83OqHs18hF1g/viewform
This week’s Passionate Person of the Week is Kristin Mills , a dedicated social worker at Yates. We’re grateful for her commitment and care for our students! Thank you, Kristin!
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 ❤️💙
Community Event
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Reclaim MLK Day
Monday, January 19
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
603 State St.
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Reclaim MLK Day
Monday, January 19
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
603 State St.
Celebrating Excellence in Education! 🍎✨
Last night, before our Board of Education meeting, members of our school community came together to honor our 2026 Teacher of the Year, Linda Garrigan.
Linda represents the very best of SCSD. Her dedication to her students, her innovative approach to the classroom, and her unwavering commitment make her a true inspiration to student, families, and colleagues.
Congratulations, Linda, on this well-deserved recognition. We are so proud to have you on our team.
#PassionatePeople #TeacherOfTheYear #SchenectadyRising #EducationExcellence #TeacherAppreciation
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.
The deadline to register for February STEAM camp is Friday, January 16. Click on the link to register now: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSezauksautQGZJbPQXQO-EqhL7qGxw_gmdmEA83OqHs18hF1g/viewform
Success starts with showing up 🏫 Attendance and literacy go hand-in-hand. When students are in class every day, they get the consistent instruction and practice needed to become confident, lifelong readers. Every day in the classroom is a new chapter in their success story. Let’s work together to make sure every Schenectady student is present and prepared to learn.
#projectbehere #schenectadyshowsup #schenectadyreads #literacymatters
#projectbehere #schenectadyshowsup #schenectadyreads #literacymatters
This week’s Teacher of the Week is Alexandria Bonardi! Alexandria has been a dedicated 4th grade teacher at MLK for 3 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 ❤️💙
📚 Literacy is the Key to Every Door!
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. ✍️✨
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
Board of Education Meeting
Wednesday, January 14, 6:30 p.m.
530 Liberty St.
Agenda: https://go.boarddocs.com/ny/schenectady/Board.nsf/files/DQ6RA26CFBD2/$file/Agenda%201.14.26.pdf
Meeting will be live-streamed.
Wednesday, January 14, 6:30 p.m.
530 Liberty St.
Agenda: https://go.boarddocs.com/ny/schenectady/Board.nsf/files/DQ6RA26CFBD2/$file/Agenda%201.14.26.pdf
Meeting will be live-streamed.
Good afternoon and welcome to another week! We hope everyone had a fantastic weekend and enjoyed a bit of (slightly) warmer weather than we’ve been having. Despite the winter wind, remember it’s important to show up and show out 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
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
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
