Please click on the link to open Superintendent Cotto's update for the week ending March 13: https://www.schenectadyschools.org/o/scsd/page/superintendents-update-march-13-2026
Thank you to all the families who joined us for Pre-K Information Night. It was wonderful to meet you and share more about our program.
We are accepting applications for our 2026–27 Pre-K programs through April 13.
For more information or to submit your application, please visit our enrollment page: https://www.schenectadyschools.org/page/prekindergarten
Dear Hamilton families and community,
As part of our state-supported CSI status, we must conduct a comprehensive Needs Assessment. This process is designed to identify exactly what our students, teachers, and families need to thrive. To do this effectively, we need your input. Each stakeholder group will have a survey to be completed.
CSI designation provides us with a toolkit to operate differently and deliver results faster. However, to ensure our resources are distributed equitably and efficiently, we must ground our decisions in the real-life experiences of our school community.
Your feedback will directly influence our SCEP specifically in the areas of:
Instructional Resources: What tools do our classrooms need most?
School Climate: How can we make our buildings even more welcoming and supportive?
Attendance & Engagement: What barriers can we remove to ensure every student is present and learning?
This is the Hamilton Family Survey: https://tejoin.com/scroll/936059422
As part of our state-supported CSI status, we must conduct a comprehensive Needs Assessment. This process is designed to identify exactly what our students, teachers, and families need to thrive. To do this effectively, we need your input. Each stakeholder group will have a survey to be completed.
CSI designation provides us with a toolkit to operate differently and deliver results faster. However, to ensure our resources are distributed equitably and efficiently, we must ground our decisions in the real-life experiences of our school community.
Your feedback will directly influence our SCEP specifically in the areas of:
Instructional Resources: What tools do our classrooms need most?
School Climate: How can we make our buildings even more welcoming and supportive?
Attendance & Engagement: What barriers can we remove to ensure every student is present and learning?
This is the Hamilton Family Survey: https://tejoin.com/scroll/936059422
Sunday Night Storytime!
With Mr. Castren! Reading "Do Not Open This Book, It Stinks"
Enjoy!
https://youtu.be/aGL8948AnQs?si=EUM9G1D5bZeDEbJc
With Mr. Castren! Reading "Do Not Open This Book, It Stinks"
Enjoy!
https://youtu.be/aGL8948AnQs?si=EUM9G1D5bZeDEbJc
Please click on the link to open Superintendent Dr. Cotto's update for the week ending March 6, 2026: https://www.schenectadyschools.org/o/scsd/page/superintendents-update-march-06-2026
Want to give your child a 1.8-million-word head start? 🚀 It’s easier than you think!
👉 Point as you go: Trace the words to bridge the gap between sounds and symbols.
🖼️ Talk about the art: Ask "What happens next?" to build those critical thinking muscles.
😊 Keep it fun: 10 minutes of joyful reading is better than 30 minutes of "forced" practice.
The 20-Minute Rule: Reading just 20 minutes a day exposes a child to nearly 1.8 million words per year. That is a massive head start.
#schenectadyreads #literacyiskey
👉 Point as you go: Trace the words to bridge the gap between sounds and symbols.
🖼️ Talk about the art: Ask "What happens next?" to build those critical thinking muscles.
😊 Keep it fun: 10 minutes of joyful reading is better than 30 minutes of "forced" practice.
The 20-Minute Rule: Reading just 20 minutes a day exposes a child to nearly 1.8 million words per year. That is a massive head start.
#schenectadyreads #literacyiskey
💡 Tips for a Smooth Morning:
> Prep the night before: Lay out clothes and pack backpacks together.
> Early to bed: A consistent sleep schedule makes waking up much easier.
> Talk it up: Use positive language about school to get your child excited for the day.
The Big Goal: We want to see our students every day!. If your family is facing challenges getting to school , please reach out. We are here to partner with you.
> Prep the night before: Lay out clothes and pack backpacks together.
> Early to bed: A consistent sleep schedule makes waking up much easier.
> Talk it up: Use positive language about school to get your child excited for the day.
The Big Goal: We want to see our students every day!. If your family is facing challenges getting to school , please reach out. We are here to partner with you.
Happy Holi to all in the Schenectady community who celebrate.
Due to weather and road conditions, all after-school activities and events are cancelled for today, March 3.
Please travel safely
.
Please travel safely
.
🗓️ MARK YOUR CALENDARS: Upcoming Dates
🌸 Wednesday, March 4: No School
All schools and the District Office will be CLOSED in observance of Phagwa/Holi . We wish a vibrant and joyful celebration to all in our community celebrating the Festival of Colors!
🏫 Friday, March 6: Half Day (Pre-K–5)
There will be a Half Day for all students in grades Pre-K through 5 due to Parent-Teacher Conferences.
🌸 Wednesday, March 4: No School
All schools and the District Office will be CLOSED in observance of Phagwa/Holi . We wish a vibrant and joyful celebration to all in our community celebrating the Festival of Colors!
🏫 Friday, March 6: Half Day (Pre-K–5)
There will be a Half Day for all students in grades Pre-K through 5 due to Parent-Teacher Conferences.
📖 Literacy: The Foundation of Everything
When we read to our youngest learners, we aren't just teaching them to recognize letters. We are building the architecture of their minds. Early literacy is the single greatest predictor of academic success across all subjects, including math and science.
Why Early Reading Matters:
> The Vocabulary Gap: By age 3, children who are read to regularly have heard millions more words than those who aren't. This "word wealth" makes it easier for them to understand complex ideas later on.
> Brain Wiring: Literacy experiences literally strengthen the neural pathways in the brain responsible for language processing and emotional intelligence.
> Empathy and Worldview: Books allow children to "walk in someone else's shoes," helping them develop social-emotional skills and an understanding of the world beyond their front door.
> Confidence: Children who enter first grade with strong pre-literacy skills (like holding a book correctly or identifying rhymes) feel more confident and less frustrated as lessons get harder.
#literacy #read #schenectadyreads
When we read to our youngest learners, we aren't just teaching them to recognize letters. We are building the architecture of their minds. Early literacy is the single greatest predictor of academic success across all subjects, including math and science.
Why Early Reading Matters:
> The Vocabulary Gap: By age 3, children who are read to regularly have heard millions more words than those who aren't. This "word wealth" makes it easier for them to understand complex ideas later on.
> Brain Wiring: Literacy experiences literally strengthen the neural pathways in the brain responsible for language processing and emotional intelligence.
> Empathy and Worldview: Books allow children to "walk in someone else's shoes," helping them develop social-emotional skills and an understanding of the world beyond their front door.
> Confidence: Children who enter first grade with strong pre-literacy skills (like holding a book correctly or identifying rhymes) feel more confident and less frustrated as lessons get harder.
#literacy #read #schenectadyreads
Did you know that attendance habits formed in Pre-K and Kindergarten are one of the strongest predictors of a child’s success in later grades?
While it might seem like "just a day of play," every day in the classroom is a building block for your child's future.
Why Every Day Counts:
> Brain Power: Early literacy and math skills are taught in sequence. Missing one day can make the next lesson feel like a puzzle with missing pieces.
> Social Connections: Consistent attendance helps children build friendships and learn how to navigate social cues and teamwork.
> The "Success Habit": Showing up on time and ready to learn builds a routine that carries them all the way through high school and beyond.
> Language Development: Our classrooms are "language-rich" environments. Every hour spent at school exposes your child to thousands of new words and concepts.
Let’s work together to give our littlest learners the best start possible! 🎒✨
#projectbehere #schenectadyshowsup #attendance
While it might seem like "just a day of play," every day in the classroom is a building block for your child's future.
Why Every Day Counts:
> Brain Power: Early literacy and math skills are taught in sequence. Missing one day can make the next lesson feel like a puzzle with missing pieces.
> Social Connections: Consistent attendance helps children build friendships and learn how to navigate social cues and teamwork.
> The "Success Habit": Showing up on time and ready to learn builds a routine that carries them all the way through high school and beyond.
> Language Development: Our classrooms are "language-rich" environments. Every hour spent at school exposes your child to thousands of new words and concepts.
Let’s work together to give our littlest learners the best start possible! 🎒✨
#projectbehere #schenectadyshowsup #attendance
Please click on the link to open Superintendent Dr. Cotto's update for this week: https://www.schenectadyschools.org/o/scsd/page/superintendents-update-february-27-2026
🎒 Immediate Pre-K Openings! 🎒
Looking for a spot for the current school year? We have a limited number of immediate openings in our Pre-K program for the remainder of the 2025-2026 School Year! Register now by clicking on the link below.
>> https://schenectady.infinitecampus.org/campus/apps/olr/application/login/kiosk-app-type
Questions? Student Registration Office, (518)-881-3771
Looking for a spot for the current school year? We have a limited number of immediate openings in our Pre-K program for the remainder of the 2025-2026 School Year! Register now by clicking on the link below.
>> https://schenectady.infinitecampus.org/campus/apps/olr/application/login/kiosk-app-type
Questions? Student Registration Office, (518)-881-3771
Small Steps, Big Futures: Attendance in Pre-K & Kindergarten 🎒✨
It might feel like "just play," but every day in Pre-K and Kindergarten is a building block for a lifetime of learning. When our youngest learners are in class, they aren't just playing—they’re discovering how to read, solve problems, and build friendships.
Why Every Day Matters for Little Learners:
Building Brain Power: Early literacy and math skills are taught through hands-on activities that can't be sent home in a folder.
Social Skills: School is where they learn to share, take turns, and follow routines—the "hidden curriculum" of life!
The Attendance Habit: Starting strong in Pre-K creates a "showing up" mindset that lasts all the way through graduation.
Did You Know? Students who attend school regularly in Kindergarten are much more likely to read on grade level by the 3rd grade.
We love seeing your child’s smiling face in school every day! 🍎
It might feel like "just play," but every day in Pre-K and Kindergarten is a building block for a lifetime of learning. When our youngest learners are in class, they aren't just playing—they’re discovering how to read, solve problems, and build friendships.
Why Every Day Matters for Little Learners:
Building Brain Power: Early literacy and math skills are taught through hands-on activities that can't be sent home in a folder.
Social Skills: School is where they learn to share, take turns, and follow routines—the "hidden curriculum" of life!
The Attendance Habit: Starting strong in Pre-K creates a "showing up" mindset that lasts all the way through graduation.
Did You Know? Students who attend school regularly in Kindergarten are much more likely to read on grade level by the 3rd grade.
We love seeing your child’s smiling face in school every day! 🍎
Schenectady schools will open on a two-hour delay today, Monday, February 23 .
Classes will begin two hours later than normal.
Bus Pick-up: Scheduled stops will occur 2 hours later than the usual time.
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
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
