This week’s Passionate Person of the Week is Amber Stephens, a dedicated substance abuse counselor who works across the district. We’re grateful for Ambers commitment and care for our students! Thank you, Amber!
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 ❤️💙
Join us for the 3rd Annual Trunk & Treats on Oct. 18th from 2–5:30 PM at the Central Park Basketball Courts! 🍭✨ Enjoy trunks & treats, a hot chocolate bar, face painting, bounce house fun, music, and more. Free #NAYTOBER bracelets while supplies last! 🧡
Want to recognize an amazing teacher or staff member? 🌟 We’d love to feature your nominations in our weekly staff highlights!
Use the links below to submit your recommendation for Teacher of the Week or Passionate Person. Be sure to share a thoughtful reason why they deserve to be celebrated!
👉 Passionate Person:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1SuGDGJavnqFVRfWJTXC3HoKRkR3Dw3NZyd6a5U-a9I8/edit
👉 Teacher of the Week: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdxMOCumlL5WS00xRknxX3Ar7R4_DxJc2fyXEl25aWwHrwJ4w/viewform?usp=header
Use the links below to submit your recommendation for Teacher of the Week or Passionate Person. Be sure to share a thoughtful reason why they deserve to be celebrated!
👉 Passionate Person:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1SuGDGJavnqFVRfWJTXC3HoKRkR3Dw3NZyd6a5U-a9I8/edit
👉 Teacher of the Week: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdxMOCumlL5WS00xRknxX3Ar7R4_DxJc2fyXEl25aWwHrwJ4w/viewform?usp=header
We want to inform our school community about a brief event that occurred at Schenectady High School (SHS) today to prevent any misunderstanding.
A medivac helicopter briefly used the high school field as a landing zone.
Please be assured that this landing was for an external medical emergency and was not related to any health or safety issue concerning SHS students or staff. The high school field is occasionally used as a designated emergency landing site for regional services.
A medivac helicopter briefly used the high school field as a landing zone.
Please be assured that this landing was for an external medical emergency and was not related to any health or safety issue concerning SHS students or staff. The high school field is occasionally used as a designated emergency landing site for regional services.
October is National School Principal Month! 🍎 Today, we celebrate our principals and assistant principals—the cornerstones of our district.
They are visionary leaders who tirelessly manage, inspire, and foster safe, rigorous, and positive environments for every student.
Please join us in thanking these incredible school leaders.
#ThankAPrincipal #SchoolLeadership #PrincipalMonth
They are visionary leaders who tirelessly manage, inspire, and foster safe, rigorous, and positive environments for every student.
Please join us in thanking these incredible school leaders.
#ThankAPrincipal #SchoolLeadership #PrincipalMonth
Time to celebrate our unsung heroes! 🎉
Today is National Custodian Appreciation Day, and we are shining the spotlight on our incredible Custodial Services Team.
They are the indispensable backbone of our schools, working tirelessly—often before the sun rises and long after it sets—to ensure our facilities are safe, healthy, and welcoming for every student and staff member.
From rigorous sanitation and maintenance to setting up for every assembly and event, their dedication is the foundation of our positive learning environment. Thank you for your unwavering professionalism and commitment.
Please drop a quick "thank you" to your school custodians and cleaners today.
#CustodianAppreciationDay #SchoolHeroes #ThankACustodian #OurCommunity
This week’s Teacher of the Week is Zack Butts! Zack has been a dedicated special education teacher in the district for 7 years, and is now at SFLA. Zacks impact on our students and school community is truly beyond measure. Thank you for everything you do!
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 ❤️💙
Early Dismissal Drill on Friday, October 3
This is a reminder about our upcoming annual "Go Home Early Drill," a practice required by New York State every year.
On Friday, October 3, 2025, all students will be dismissed from school 15 minutes early. The goal of this drill is to test our transportation and communication systems so they can operate smoothly in a real emergency.
More info: https://www.schenectadyschools.org/article/2446363
This is a reminder about our upcoming annual "Go Home Early Drill," a practice required by New York State every year.
On Friday, October 3, 2025, all students will be dismissed from school 15 minutes early. The goal of this drill is to test our transportation and communication systems so they can operate smoothly in a real emergency.
More info: https://www.schenectadyschools.org/article/2446363
Keane Elementary School Receivership Public Hearing
Thursday, October 2, 2025
4:15 p.m.
The hearing will also be live-streamed: https://www.youtube.com/live/O5NnPs7W8ew
Enroll TODAY! Creative Changemakers in this program will develop actionable projects, build leadership skills, connect with peers and community leaders, showcase their work to wider audiences, and access support and resources to bring their visions to life. ⭐🧠
All residents of Schenectady 16 years old and above are welcome to apply!
Learn more and apply here🔗: bit.ly/ApplyCreativeChange
Rolling admissions begin October 1, and applications close on October 5th.
Interested in supporting Creative Changemakers as a coach, mentor, or other?
Please reach out to Elizabeth Walsh at ewalsh@schenectadyfoundation.org or 518-227-1827 to explore possibilities.
All residents of Schenectady 16 years old and above are welcome to apply!
Learn more and apply here🔗: bit.ly/ApplyCreativeChange
Rolling admissions begin October 1, and applications close on October 5th.
Interested in supporting Creative Changemakers as a coach, mentor, or other?
Please reach out to Elizabeth Walsh at ewalsh@schenectadyfoundation.org or 518-227-1827 to explore possibilities.
🚫 October is National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month. At Schenectady City School District, bullying is never tolerated.
Bullying happens when someone intentionally hurts, threatens, or intimidates another person—often repeatedly—making it difficult for the individual to defend themselves. We are committed to ensuring that every student feels safe, valued, and respected.
Throughout the month, we’ll be sharing resources, prevention strategies, and student voices on this important topic. To learn more about expectations for behavior, the consequences of bullying, and how we can all contribute to a safe learning environment, please review our Code of Character, Conduct and Support here:
https://www.schenectadyschools.org/page/code-of-character-conduct-and-support
Together, we can make sure no child feels unsafe at school—because everybody counts and everybody learns. 🧡🧡🧡
#NationalBullyingPreventionAwarenessMonth
Bullying happens when someone intentionally hurts, threatens, or intimidates another person—often repeatedly—making it difficult for the individual to defend themselves. We are committed to ensuring that every student feels safe, valued, and respected.
Throughout the month, we’ll be sharing resources, prevention strategies, and student voices on this important topic. To learn more about expectations for behavior, the consequences of bullying, and how we can all contribute to a safe learning environment, please review our Code of Character, Conduct and Support here:
https://www.schenectadyschools.org/page/code-of-character-conduct-and-support
Together, we can make sure no child feels unsafe at school—because everybody counts and everybody learns. 🧡🧡🧡
#NationalBullyingPreventionAwarenessMonth
📸 SUNY Schenectady’s Advancing Success in Associate Pathways (ASAP) event
ASAP removes financial barriers, supports full-time study, and keeps students on track to graduate. With advising, mentoring, and community activities, ASAP helps students build momentum and succeed.
Attention Parents! We know it can sometimes be challenging to figure out who to contact in SCSD when you have specific questions about your child and their needs. To make it easier and ensure the best possible support, please refer to our Who To Call page using the link below:
🔗 https://www.schenectadyschools.org/page/who-to-call
🔗 https://www.schenectadyschools.org/page/who-to-call
🗓Save the date 🗓
On Thursday, October 9, our district will be hosting a community forum in partnership with Schenectady County, Schenectady Police Department, Ellis Hospital, and New Choices Recovery Center on the topic of substance abuse in the Schenectady community.
At this forum you will hear from students, district leaders, and health professionals around prevention, intervention and the challenges facing our youth today.
Full info here➡️ https://www.schenectadyschools.org/article/2437284
Question Submission➡️ https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1CqQOkMCT-HAZHen4PR6eTM5-G4hsdZ6w5s16KH-yHQc/viewform?edit_requested=true
On Thursday, October 9, our district will be hosting a community forum in partnership with Schenectady County, Schenectady Police Department, Ellis Hospital, and New Choices Recovery Center on the topic of substance abuse in the Schenectady community.
At this forum you will hear from students, district leaders, and health professionals around prevention, intervention and the challenges facing our youth today.
Full info here➡️ https://www.schenectadyschools.org/article/2437284
Question Submission➡️ https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1CqQOkMCT-HAZHen4PR6eTM5-G4hsdZ6w5s16KH-yHQc/viewform?edit_requested=true
Schenectady High School Culinary Arts students showcased their skills by catering Back to School Night at the High School and by serving staff lunch at the Freshman Academy. Great job guys! 👩🍳👨🍳
Please click on the link to open Superintendent Dr. Cotto's update for this week:
https://www.schenectadyschools.org/page/superintendents-update-september-26-2025
Have a great weekend.
https://www.schenectadyschools.org/page/superintendents-update-september-26-2025
Have a great weekend.
Check this out! Creative Changemakers in this program will develop actionable projects, build leadership skills, connect with peers and community leaders, showcase their work to wider audiences, and access support and resources to bring their visions to life. ⭐🧠
All residents of Schenectady 16 years old and above are welcome to apply!
Learn more and apply here🔗: bit.ly/ApplyCreativeChange
Rolling admissions begin October 1, and applications close on October 5th.
Interested in supporting Creative Changemakers as a coach, mentor, or other?
Please reach out to Elizabeth Walsh at ewalsh@schenectadyfoundation.org or 518-227-1827 to explore possibilities.
All residents of Schenectady 16 years old and above are welcome to apply!
Learn more and apply here🔗: bit.ly/ApplyCreativeChange
Rolling admissions begin October 1, and applications close on October 5th.
Interested in supporting Creative Changemakers as a coach, mentor, or other?
Please reach out to Elizabeth Walsh at ewalsh@schenectadyfoundation.org or 518-227-1827 to explore possibilities.
Schenectady City School District Vice President Nohelani Etienne Resigns from Board of Education
The Schenectady City School District Board of Education announced that Vice President Nohelani Etienne has resigned from her seat due to her family’s relocation outside of the city. Etienne, who has served on the board since 2020, was a significant voice in district governance and policy and a strong advocate for Schenectady's children.
Throughout her two terms, Etienne held key roles as a policy committee chairperson, a member of the cell phone ad hoc committee, and a member of the Teacher Center Policy Board. She was actively involved in the school community and served as a liaison to many schools.
More here: https://www.schenectadyschools.org/article/2449899
The Schenectady City School District Board of Education announced that Vice President Nohelani Etienne has resigned from her seat due to her family’s relocation outside of the city. Etienne, who has served on the board since 2020, was a significant voice in district governance and policy and a strong advocate for Schenectady's children.
Throughout her two terms, Etienne held key roles as a policy committee chairperson, a member of the cell phone ad hoc committee, and a member of the Teacher Center Policy Board. She was actively involved in the school community and served as a liaison to many schools.
More here: https://www.schenectadyschools.org/article/2449899
This week’s Passionate Person of the Week is Tyler O'Connor, a dedicated school counselor at MLK. We’re grateful for Tylers years of commitment and care for our students! Thank you, Tyler!
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 ❤️💙
Early Dismissal Drill on Friday, October 3
This is a reminder about our upcoming annual "Go Home Early Drill," a practice required by New York State to ensure our School Emergency Management Plan is effective.
On Friday, October 3, 2025, all students will be dismissed from school 15 minutes early. The goal of this drill is to test our transportation and communication systems so they can operate smoothly in a real emergency.
More info: https://www.schenectadyschools.org/article/2446363
This is a reminder about our upcoming annual "Go Home Early Drill," a practice required by New York State to ensure our School Emergency Management Plan is effective.
On Friday, October 3, 2025, all students will be dismissed from school 15 minutes early. The goal of this drill is to test our transportation and communication systems so they can operate smoothly in a real emergency.
More info: https://www.schenectadyschools.org/article/2446363
