Literacy is the foundation of all learning. When we encourage a love for reading, we aren't just teaching a child to decode words; we are giving them the keys to explore new worlds, develop empathy, and think critically about the world around them.
Whether it’s a bedtime story or a high school novel, every page turned is a step toward a brighter future. Let’s keep our community reading.
#LiteracyMatters #ReadMore #SchenectadyReads

✨ You’re Invited! ✨
We’re excited to welcome Schenectady 8th grade students and their families to learn more about the Early College in the High School Program.
📍 SUNY Schenectady
🗓 Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.
👨👩👧👦 Family Information Session
This is a great opportunity to explore how students can earn college credit, challenge themselves academically, and prepare for the future.
📝 All application materials are due by January 20 at 5 PM.
🔗 https://tinyurl.com/27kjjp6y

We hope you all had a wonderful, restful holiday break and enjoyed some quality time with family and friends. It is hard to believe that 2026 is already here.
As we prepare to head back into the classroom, let’s make a commitment to start the new year off right. Let's all start 2026 by being here and having consistent attendance for the remainder for the school year. Being present every day ensures that students stay engaged, keep up with their lessons, and remain connected to our school community.
Important Reminder: First day back is Monday, January 5
We are so excited to see everyone’s faces again and to dive into all the great things we have planned for the coming months. Let’s make this our best year yet.

Attention: Students headed to 9th grade in the fall
Big Picture Schenectady is now accepting interest forms for students who will be 9th graders in Fall 2026.
The interest form should be completed for any current 8th grader who is interested in Big Picture next year.
👉 Fill out the Interest Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScyd5az6Rt1d-SIDO_Ovk4aKMKdc4tDdcjOshDGd6338tDi3g/viewform
⚠️ Submission Deadline: January 20, 2026

We wish you a wonderful holiday, happy new year, and fantastic recess.

Please click on the link to open Superintendent Dr. Cotto's update for this week: https://www.schenectadyschools.org/o/scsd/page/superintendents-update-december-19-2025

Secondary interim progress reports will be mailed home on Monday, December 22.
Want to see your student’s progress sooner? You don't have to wait for the mail. You will be able to access the reports through the Infinite Campus Backpack.
How to check:
Log in to the Infinite Campus Parent Portal.
Navigate to the "More" section.
Click on "Backpack" to view and download the report.


Good morning, everyone!
It's Tuesday, and a new day means new possibilities. Let's bring our best energy and focus to the challenges ahead. We are ready to make great things happen this week.
Thanks for showing up. We are glad you are here today.
#projectbehere #SchenectadyShowsUp #EveryDayCounts


We meet our students where they are—but that journey starts with them being in the classroom. Regular attendance is the foundation of our commitment to ensuring every child feels valued and supported.
Thank you to our dedicated staff and families for working together to get our students to school today.
#projectbehere #schenectadyshowsup #EveryDayCounts #EducationLeadership #SchenectadySchools #StudentSuccess

Have a great weekend.

We love seeing your faces. Being here connects you to our vibrant school community and ensures you don't miss out on important lessons and fun activities. Keep up the great work—your presence makes a difference.
#projectbehere #SchenectadyShowsUp #EveryDayCounts

Tonight is the first of three scheduled High School Information Sessions for all 8th-grade families.
Thursday, December 4
6:30 p.m.
Mont Pleasant Middle School
We encourage 8th graders and their families to attend to learn about the transition to high school. We look forward to seeing you.

Did you know that missing just 18 days of school (or 10% of the school year) makes a student chronically absent, regardless of whether the absence is excused?
With only 14 instructional days left until the holiday break, consistent attendance now is critical to: 📚 Close learning gaps. 📋 Prepare for screening assessments 🤝 Maintain classroom connection.
Learn more about the importance of attendance and the effects of chronic absenteeism: https://aptg.co/2qVRkF
Let’s partner to ensure every student is present and prepared for success.
#projectbehere #everydaycounts #Schenectadyshowsup

Did you know that missing just 18 days of school (or 10% of the school year) makes a student chronically absent, regardless of whether the absence is excused?
With only 14 instructional days left until the holiday break, consistent attendance now is critical to: 📚 Close learning gaps. 📋 Prepare for screening assessments 🤝 Maintain classroom connection.
Learn more about the importance of attendance and the effects of chronic absenteeism: https://aptg.co/2qVRkF
Let’s partner to ensure every student is present and prepared for success.
#projectbehere #everydaycounts #Schenectadyshowsup

Due to the current weather forecast and anticipated conditions, all schools and district offices are closed today, Tuesday, December 2.
Please stay safe and warm!

Please note that the High School Information Session for 8th Grade Families scheduled for tomorrow evening, Tuesday, December 2nd, has been POSTPONED.
We apologize for any inconvenience.
Upcoming Sessions:
Thursday, December 4, 6:30 p.m., at Mont Pleasant Middle School
Wednesday, December 10, 6:30 p.m., Oneida Middle School

May your day be filled with laughter, love, and plenty of delicious food. We are incredibly thankful for you.
#Thanksgiving2025 #Thankful

Please note that the mailed copies of first quarter secondary report cards (Grades 6–12) are running behind schedule and will not arrive in mailboxes until next week.
Access Your Report Card NOW!
You can access your student's report card immediately via the Parent Portal Backpack.
How to Access:
1. Log in to the Parent Portal.
2. Click on “More” located on the left-hand menu.
3. Select “Backpack”.
We apologize for the delay in mailing and appreciate your patience!
If you don’t have a Parent Portal account, you can sign up by emailing registration@schenectadyschools.org Provide your name and the name of your children. You will receive an email with an activation code and steps on how to access your account.


STILL SERVING FREE HOT MEALS
Until 3 p..m. today!
Stop by one of these locations:
Liberty Church (Albany St.)
Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church (153 Nott Terrace)

