🗓️2026-2027: The Deadline is April 13
The Pre-K lottery application window is currently open, but it closes soon. To be included, you must complete your registration by Monday, April 13, 2026
📝 Eligibility Requirements
To apply, families must reside within the Schenectady City School District. Age requirements are as follows:
3-Year-Old Program: Child must be 3 on or before December 1, 2026.
4-Year-Old Program: Child must be 4 on or before December 1, 2026.
Note: Children already eligible for Kindergarten this fall are not eligible for the 4-year-old UPK program.
🗳️ How it Works
Admission is determined via a random lottery. During the application, families will have the opportunity to rank their preferred locations.
Lottery Draw Date: May 1, 2026
Post-Lottery Registration: Applications received after April 13 will be processed on an ongoing basis for any remaining spots.
🔗 Ready to Register?
Don't wait! Ensure your child has a chance at a spot by starting the process today.
👉 Click Here For More Information & to Register for the 2026-2027 UPK Program: https://www.schenectadyschools.org/page/prekindergarten
The Pre-K lottery application window is currently open, but it closes soon. To be included, you must complete your registration by Monday, April 13, 2026
📝 Eligibility Requirements
To apply, families must reside within the Schenectady City School District. Age requirements are as follows:
3-Year-Old Program: Child must be 3 on or before December 1, 2026.
4-Year-Old Program: Child must be 4 on or before December 1, 2026.
Note: Children already eligible for Kindergarten this fall are not eligible for the 4-year-old UPK program.
🗳️ How it Works
Admission is determined via a random lottery. During the application, families will have the opportunity to rank their preferred locations.
Lottery Draw Date: May 1, 2026
Post-Lottery Registration: Applications received after April 13 will be processed on an ongoing basis for any remaining spots.
🔗 Ready to Register?
Don't wait! Ensure your child has a chance at a spot by starting the process today.
👉 Click Here For More Information & to Register for the 2026-2027 UPK Program: https://www.schenectadyschools.org/page/prekindergarten
Wishing everyone a very Happy Easter! 🌷 Whether you’re hunting for eggs, sharing a meal with loved ones, or simply enjoying the spring day, we hope your Sunday is filled with joy, peace, and love.
Please click on the link to open Superintendent Dr. Cotto's update for this week: https://www.schenectadyschools.org/o/scsd/page/superintendents-update-april022026
Have a great weekend and recess .
We will see you on Monday, April 13.
Have a great weekend and recess .
We will see you on Monday, April 13.
One Day Left! 🎒
We’re almost to Spring Recess, but we aren't there yet. Let’s finish the week strong and show up tomorrow to make this final day count. We can’t wait to see everyone in school before we head out for the break.
#projectbehere
We’re almost to Spring Recess, but we aren't there yet. Let’s finish the week strong and show up tomorrow to make this final day count. We can’t wait to see everyone in school before we head out for the break.
#projectbehere
📅 Mark Your Calendars
Just a reminder that there will be no school on Friday, April 3 (Good Friday).
District offices will also be closed.
Spring Recess runs from April 6 through April 10.
Enjoy the time off, stay safe, and have a great 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-march-27-2026
Have a great weekend.
Have a great weekend.
🎒 Is "School Refusal" Hitting Your Home?
Behind every "I have a stomachache" or missed bus, there is often a child or teen struggling with deep-seated anxiety. When school avoidance becomes a pattern, it’s rarely about being "difficult"—it’s about a nervous system that feels unsafe.
Common signs that it’s more than just a case of the Mondays:
* Physical symptoms (nausea, fatigue) that disappear on weekends or holidays.
* Intense distress during the morning routine or the night before school.
* Frequent calls from the nurse's office to come home.
* Withdrawal from friends or extracurricular activities they used to love.
What can you do?
* Validate, Don't Negotiate: Acknowledge that their fear feels real, even if the school environment is safe.
* Identify the "Why": Is it social anxiety, academic pressure, or sensory overload?
* Build a Bridge: Work with teachers and school counselors to create a "soft landing" (like checking in with a staff member) when they arrive.
You don’t have to navigate this journey in silence. Small steps forward are still progress. 🤍
#projectbehere
Behind every "I have a stomachache" or missed bus, there is often a child or teen struggling with deep-seated anxiety. When school avoidance becomes a pattern, it’s rarely about being "difficult"—it’s about a nervous system that feels unsafe.
Common signs that it’s more than just a case of the Mondays:
* Physical symptoms (nausea, fatigue) that disappear on weekends or holidays.
* Intense distress during the morning routine or the night before school.
* Frequent calls from the nurse's office to come home.
* Withdrawal from friends or extracurricular activities they used to love.
What can you do?
* Validate, Don't Negotiate: Acknowledge that their fear feels real, even if the school environment is safe.
* Identify the "Why": Is it social anxiety, academic pressure, or sensory overload?
* Build a Bridge: Work with teachers and school counselors to create a "soft landing" (like checking in with a staff member) when they arrive.
You don’t have to navigate this journey in silence. Small steps forward are still progress. 🤍
#projectbehere
🌊 Make a Splash This Spring! Free Swim Lessons for SCSD Students
Spring swim registration is now OPEN! We are offering free swim lessons to SCSD Elementary and Middle School students. Help your child build confidence in the water at no cost.
🗓 When: Tuesdays, Thursdays, or Saturdays
📍 Where: Schenectady High School Pool
⏰ Format: Choose the time slot that works best for your family
💰 Cost: 100% FREE
Don’t wait—spots fill up fast! 🔗 Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdgsVo4orFK-mP_hH8TBE2k6YOc3u-5QFp4FCFnV0PwdTBHaQ/viewform
Spring swim registration is now OPEN! We are offering free swim lessons to SCSD Elementary and Middle School students. Help your child build confidence in the water at no cost.
🗓 When: Tuesdays, Thursdays, or Saturdays
📍 Where: Schenectady High School Pool
⏰ Format: Choose the time slot that works best for your family
💰 Cost: 100% FREE
Don’t wait—spots fill up fast! 🔗 Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdgsVo4orFK-mP_hH8TBE2k6YOc3u-5QFp4FCFnV0PwdTBHaQ/viewform
Intent to Enroll for Kindergarten
If you have a child who will be attending kindergarten in the Fall, please click on the link and complete the form :
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScI7vPBUxKBQSWHJcCUB31C8yDg4gR4cmfaRgJWMdp6HbLnNg/viewform
Note for UPK Families: If your child is currently enrolled in a district UPK program, you do not need to resubmit registration paperwork.
If you have a child who will be attending kindergarten in the Fall, please click on the link and complete the form :
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScI7vPBUxKBQSWHJcCUB31C8yDg4gR4cmfaRgJWMdp6HbLnNg/viewform
Note for UPK Families: If your child is currently enrolled in a district UPK program, you do not need to resubmit registration paperwork.
Please click on the link to open Superintendent Dr. Cotto's update for this week: https://www.schenectadyschools.org/o/scsd/page/superintendents-update-march-19-2026
Reminder: No school and district offices are closed Friday in observance of Eid al-Fitr.
Reminder: No school and district offices are closed Friday in observance of Eid al-Fitr.
Parenting doesn’t come with a manual, but it can come with a community. ❤️
New Choices is offering FREE virtual classes designed to help you take an active, confident role in your child’s growth. Whether you're looking for new strategies or just a little extra support, these sessions are built to empower YOU.
Check out the flyers for additional details and instructions on how to join.
New Choices is offering FREE virtual classes designed to help you take an active, confident role in your child’s growth. Whether you're looking for new strategies or just a little extra support, these sessions are built to empower YOU.
Check out the flyers for additional details and instructions on how to join.
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
Howe Elementary hosted its STEAM Night on Thursday evening, welcoming students and families for a fun night of hands-on science, technology, engineering, art, and math activities, The event encouraged curiosity, creativity, and learning through interactive experiments and challenges.
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
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.
