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
💗Students from Yates and Hamilton crossed social-emotional learning and Valentine's Day for a fun lesson. They listened to "A Little Spot of Love" and drew a picture of how they can show love at school.
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
🚨UPDATE
Power has been restored at Hamilton Elementary.
🚨 PLEASE READ - POWER OUTAGES
There are currently power outages at three district school buildings; Hamilton Elementary, Van Corlaer Elementary, and Steinmetz Freshman Leadership Academy.
National Grid is currently working on the issue and has estimated that power will be restored to the buildings by 12:45. At this time all students are inside and safe and there are no plans to dismiss early.
If the district is forced to dismiss that decision will be made by 10:30 a.m., please stay tuned.
There are currently power outages at three district school buildings; Hamilton Elementary, Van Corlaer Elementary, and Steinmetz Freshman Leadership Academy.
National Grid is currently working on the issue and has estimated that power will be restored to the buildings by 12:45. At this time all students are inside and safe and there are no plans to dismiss early.
If the district is forced to dismiss that decision will be made by 10:30 a.m., please stay tuned.
Sunday Storytime!
Ms. Brenenstuhl Reads Trouble With Trolls
Let us know what you think!
https://youtu.be/kSOf98yIrP0
Ms. Brenenstuhl Reads Trouble With Trolls
Let us know what you think!
https://youtu.be/kSOf98yIrP0
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
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.
📝 Register for Family Literacy Saturdays.📚 Spend Saturday learning with fun literacy and reading activities that can be done at home with your child.
Meetings will take place at Pleasant Valley Elementary but are open to all. The program will meet four consecutive Saturdays but families can sign up for any amount.
Click here to register https://docs.google.com/forms/u/0/d/1isvsydcrU1u4B-B6H4GItG5vtE7HTGEaMgD6-gbUBlQ/viewform?ts=69611299&edit_requested=true
Meetings will take place at Pleasant Valley Elementary but are open to all. The program will meet four consecutive Saturdays but families can sign up for any amount.
Click here to register https://docs.google.com/forms/u/0/d/1isvsydcrU1u4B-B6H4GItG5vtE7HTGEaMgD6-gbUBlQ/viewform?ts=69611299&edit_requested=true
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.
Sunday Night Storytime!
Read by Mrs. Pastor,
This Is How We Talk, A Celebration of Disability and Connection
See You All Tomorrow!
https://youtu.be/NaskveUTsVk
Read by Mrs. Pastor,
This Is How We Talk, A Celebration of Disability and Connection
See You All Tomorrow!
https://youtu.be/NaskveUTsVk
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
