A Message to Our Families: Our Schools are Safe Havens
In the Schenectady City School District, the safety and well-being of every student is our highest priority. We recognize that recent conversations and events surrounding immigration can create uncertainty, and we want to take this opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to the children and families we serve.
Our Commitment to You:
* Safe Learning Spaces: Our schools will remain protected environments focused on growth and education.
* Inclusive Environment: We are dedicated to ensuring every student, regardless of background, feels secure and supported.
* Established Protocols: We have clear procedures in place to protect the integrity of our school buildings as safe spaces for all.
We are proud to serve the diverse families of Schenectady. Together, we ensure that Everybody Counts.
🔗 For more information on our district policies and support, visit: https://www.schenectadyschools.org/page/community-support-and-resource-center
In the Schenectady City School District, the safety and well-being of every student is our highest priority. We recognize that recent conversations and events surrounding immigration can create uncertainty, and we want to take this opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to the children and families we serve.
Our Commitment to You:
* Safe Learning Spaces: Our schools will remain protected environments focused on growth and education.
* Inclusive Environment: We are dedicated to ensuring every student, regardless of background, feels secure and supported.
* Established Protocols: We have clear procedures in place to protect the integrity of our school buildings as safe spaces for all.
We are proud to serve the diverse families of Schenectady. Together, we ensure that Everybody Counts.
🔗 For more information on our district policies and support, visit: https://www.schenectadyschools.org/page/community-support-and-resource-center
Attention 7th and 8th graders! It is time to get ready for the modified spring sports season!
⚾ Baseball (Boys)
🥎 Softball (Girls)
🏃 Track and Field (Girls/Boys)
🏈 Flag Football (Girls)
🎾 Tennis (Girls/Boys)
Need help getting signed up? Join Coach Yaco and Coach Sanchez for in-person sign ups
📍 Where: Central Park Middle School – Main Lobby
📅 Date: February 24th, 2026
🕓 Time: 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Open to ALL middle school students
⚾ Baseball (Boys)
🥎 Softball (Girls)
🏃 Track and Field (Girls/Boys)
🏈 Flag Football (Girls)
🎾 Tennis (Girls/Boys)
Need help getting signed up? Join Coach Yaco and Coach Sanchez for in-person sign ups
📍 Where: Central Park Middle School – Main Lobby
📅 Date: February 24th, 2026
🕓 Time: 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Open to ALL middle school students
Ramadan begins this evening and continues through the evening of March 19. Wishing all in the Schenectady community who celebrate a peaceful and productive Ramadan.
🏮 Happy Lunar New Year! 🏮
Wishing our community a year filled with prosperity, longevity, and new beginnings. As we welcome the Year of the Horse, may your spirit be as strong and your pace as swift as you chase your goals in 2026.
🧧 Wishing You:
Good Fortune: May your hard work be rewarded.
Great Health: Strength and energy for the journey ahead.
Peace: A harmonious home and a focused mind.
Happy New Year! 🧧✨
#LunarNew Year #YearOfTheHorse #Prosperity #NewBeginnings #Celebration
Wishing our community a year filled with prosperity, longevity, and new beginnings. As we welcome the Year of the Horse, may your spirit be as strong and your pace as swift as you chase your goals in 2026.
🧧 Wishing You:
Good Fortune: May your hard work be rewarded.
Great Health: Strength and energy for the journey ahead.
Peace: A harmonious home and a focused mind.
Happy New Year! 🧧✨
#LunarNew Year #YearOfTheHorse #Prosperity #NewBeginnings #Celebration
Register for Spring 2026 Sports now!
🔗 https://students.arbitersports.com/organizations/schenectady-city-school-district-athletics
Register for JV/Varsity: February 9–March 9
Register for Modified (Grades 7–8): February 9–March 16
Tryouts begin March 9 for JV/Varsity and March 16 for Modified.
Baseball (Modified, JV & Varsity)
Boys & Girls Lacrosse (Modified, JV & Varsity)
Girls Flag Football (Modified & Varsity)
Softball (Modified, JV & Varsity)
Boys Tennis (Varsity)
Boys & Girls Tennis (Modified)
Boys & Girls Track & Field (Modified & Varsity)
Unified Basketball
Unified Cheerleading
Unified Sports joins students with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team. Schenectady students in grades 9–12 can be on Unified Sports teams.
🔗 https://students.arbitersports.com/organizations/schenectady-city-school-district-athletics
Register for JV/Varsity: February 9–March 9
Register for Modified (Grades 7–8): February 9–March 16
Tryouts begin March 9 for JV/Varsity and March 16 for Modified.
Baseball (Modified, JV & Varsity)
Boys & Girls Lacrosse (Modified, JV & Varsity)
Girls Flag Football (Modified & Varsity)
Softball (Modified, JV & Varsity)
Boys Tennis (Varsity)
Boys & Girls Tennis (Modified)
Boys & Girls Track & Field (Modified & Varsity)
Unified Basketball
Unified Cheerleading
Unified Sports joins students with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team. Schenectady students in grades 9–12 can be on Unified Sports teams.
Click on the link to open Superintendent Dr. Cotto's update for the week ending February 6, 2026: https://www.schenectadyschools.org/o/scsd/page/superintendents-update-february-06-2026
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
Due to the frigid temperatures and wind chill forecasts, all Schenectady City schools will operate on a two-hour delay tomorrow, Friday, Jan. 30.
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 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 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.
Happy Friday!
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-23-2026
Have a great weekend.
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-23-2026
Have a great weekend.
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-16-2026
Reminder: No school Monday in observance of MLK Day
Reminder: No school Monday in observance of MLK Day
**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.
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
Reading is more than a skill—it’s a superpower. 📚
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
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
Welcome Back and Happy New Year
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.
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.
