We are so incredibly proud to share this amazing story about one of our own. While most teenagers are counting down the days until they can get behind the wheel of a car, this SCSD student was already busy mastering the skies.
Check out this feature on how Anderson Seram learned to fly a plane before even earning a driver’s license.
Congratulations on this incredible milestone. We can’t wait to see where your journey takes you next! 🌟
Read the full story here: https://www.timesunion.com/education/article/schenectady-high-school-student-accepted-air-21319532.php
#StudentSuccess
Check out this feature on how Anderson Seram learned to fly a plane before even earning a driver’s license.
Congratulations on this incredible milestone. We can’t wait to see where your journey takes you next! 🌟
Read the full story here: https://www.timesunion.com/education/article/schenectady-high-school-student-accepted-air-21319532.php
#StudentSuccess

👗 PROM SEASON IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER
Tickets are on sale now for the 2026 99.5 The River Pay Less for The Dress sponsored by CDPHP!
This year's Pay Less for the Dress will take place at Proctors Key Hall both March 6th and March 7th from 4-8p. Pay Less is a fundraiser that helps area students have a more affordable prom with the opportunity to purchase a gently used or new prom dress for only $9.95. This year's event will benefit both the Proctor's Scholarship Fund and Girls Inc.
Tickets are just $10 each and on sale now at proctors.org
Tickets are on sale now for the 2026 99.5 The River Pay Less for The Dress sponsored by CDPHP!
This year's Pay Less for the Dress will take place at Proctors Key Hall both March 6th and March 7th from 4-8p. Pay Less is a fundraiser that helps area students have a more affordable prom with the opportunity to purchase a gently used or new prom dress for only $9.95. This year's event will benefit both the Proctor's Scholarship Fund and Girls Inc.
Tickets are just $10 each and on sale now at proctors.org



Please click on the link to open Superintendent Dr. Cotto's update for this week: https://www.schenectadyschools.org/o/scsd/page/superintendents-update-january-30-2026

The Blue Roses Theatre Company opens the world premiere of ABANDONWARE next week.
Thursday, Feb 5: 7:00 p.m. (Stay for a special talkback with playwright Joseph Ahmed!)
Friday, Feb 6: 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, Feb 7: 2 and 7:00 p.m.
See flyer for additional details.

A basketball clinic at the YMCA is coming up! 🏀
Sundays, February 22 – May 3 | 9:30–10:30 AM for girls and 11:00 to 1:00 PM for women.
Open to all in the community—come learn, grow, and build confidence on the court in a fun, inclusive environment at the Schenectady YMCA!


Due to the frigid temperatures and wind chill forecasts, all Schenectady City schools will operate on a two-hour delay tomorrow, Friday, Jan. 30.

Dismissal is delayed at Keane Elementary School due to a medical emergency. Traffic is backed up in the area surrounding the school. Students will be later than usual arriving home.
The journey starts here! We are hosting a Pre-K Information Night to help Schenectady families navigate the Universal Pre-K (UPK) process for the upcoming school year.
Join us to learn about: ✅ The Lottery: How our placement process works. ✅ Registration: What documents you need to get started. ✅ Transportation: How we get our youngest students to school safely. ✅ Learn about our community-based UPK sites
We know starting school is a big milestone. Our team will be there to answer every question and ensure you feel confident and ready.
📅 March 10 ⏰5:30 p.m. 📍 530 Libery St.
Please RSVP by March 3
Click on this link to RSVP: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1k6e4rI74nJJsKOXzVdsAikg1YmtJQbm1vIn7qvMchms/viewform?edit_requested=true
#SchenectadyRising #PreK #SCSD #FutureScholars #EarlyChildhoodEducation
Join us to learn about: ✅ The Lottery: How our placement process works. ✅ Registration: What documents you need to get started. ✅ Transportation: How we get our youngest students to school safely. ✅ Learn about our community-based UPK sites
We know starting school is a big milestone. Our team will be there to answer every question and ensure you feel confident and ready.
📅 March 10 ⏰5:30 p.m. 📍 530 Libery St.
Please RSVP by March 3
Click on this link to RSVP: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1k6e4rI74nJJsKOXzVdsAikg1YmtJQbm1vIn7qvMchms/viewform?edit_requested=true
#SchenectadyRising #PreK #SCSD #FutureScholars #EarlyChildhoodEducation



This week’s Passionate Person of the Week is Hayley Yettru , a dedicated Social Worker at Oneida. We’re grateful for her commitment and care for our students! Thank you, Hayley!
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 ❤️💙


Showing Up: The Secret Ingredient to Literacy
We often talk about school attendance in terms of "rules" and "requirements," but let’s flip the script. Every day a student walks through those doors, they aren't just filling a seat—they are stepping into an opportunity.
When it comes to literacy, showing up is the single most important variable we can control. Reading isn't just a subject; it’s the key that unlocks every other door in life.
We often talk about school attendance in terms of "rules" and "requirements," but let’s flip the script. Every day a student walks through those doors, they aren't just filling a seat—they are stepping into an opportunity.
When it comes to literacy, showing up is the single most important variable we can control. Reading isn't just a subject; it’s the key that unlocks every other door in life.

This week’s Teacher of the Week is Andrea Baptiste! Andrea has been a dedicated kindergarten teacher at Pleasant Valley since September. Keep up the great work Andrea!
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 ❤️💙

❄️ The Winter Carnival at Van Corlaer brought together a large crowd of families for a fun, welcoming day centered on community connection. The carnival featured a wide range of community resources, fun for all ages, and strong partnerships with local organizations.









REMINDER
Board of Education Work Session
Tonight - Wednesday, January 28
6:30 p.m.
Meeting will be live-streamed: https://youtube.com/live/E41o9j2fs3U?feature=share

Woodlawn will be open tomorrow, Wednesday, January 28.
All classes, transportation, and activities will take place as usual. Thank you.
All classes, transportation, and activities will take place as usual. Thank you.

COMMUNITY NOTE
Rotterdam Schenectady Youth Lacrosse is holding a free lacrosse clinic for boys in grades K-6.
See Flyer for details.
Rotterdam Schenectady Youth Lacrosse is holding a free lacrosse clinic for boys in grades K-6.
See Flyer for details.

Good afternoon and welcome to another week! We hope you used Monday to rest and recharge so you could come back ready for the days ahead. As we wrap up the first day of the school week, let’s make it a priority to show up and stay engaged for the rest of the week—especially since we missed Monday. Let’s make ourselves proud and earn the fun weekend that’s right around the corner!
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

!! Speeding Violation Text Scam Alert !!
Please be advised of a new phishing scam targeting our community. Several residents have reported receiving text messages claiming to be an "official speeding violation notice."
How the Scam Works
The message typically states that a speed camera recorded you exceeding the limit and claims a fine remains unpaid. It then provides a payment link to settle the balance immediately to avoid further penalties.
What You Need to Know
Do NOT click the link: These links are designed to steal your credit card information or install malware on your device.
Government agencies don't text to collect fines: Official traffic citations are almost exclusively sent via U.S. Mail. Government entities will never ask for payment via a suspicious link.
Please be advised of a new phishing scam targeting our community. Several residents have reported receiving text messages claiming to be an "official speeding violation notice."
How the Scam Works
The message typically states that a speed camera recorded you exceeding the limit and claims a fine remains unpaid. It then provides a payment link to settle the balance immediately to avoid further penalties.
What You Need to Know
Do NOT click the link: These links are designed to steal your credit card information or install malware on your device.
Government agencies don't text to collect fines: Official traffic citations are almost exclusively sent via U.S. Mail. Government entities will never ask for payment via a suspicious link.

This past weekend, 53 middle and high school SCSD students were selected to participate in the SCMA All County Music festival. In addition, Joel Zombia, grade 7 CMPS, was selected as first chair Violist in the orchestra. Congratulations to all of our All County students!



Due to a water main break in the Woodlawn community, Woodlawn will be closed today, Tuesday, January 27. Repair is underway. The main is expected to be repaired by this evening. Classes will resume on Wednesday. Thank you.

Due to the winter storm and poor travel conditions forecasted through Monday afternoon, schools will be closed tomorrow, Monday, January 26. Please be warm and stay safe.

