Message from the Principal

Dear Zoller Elementary School Community,

Dear Parents and Guardians,

This month, we're excited to focus on the theme of kindness. The student-led Kindness committee started this month off with flurries of kindness decorating the halls of Zoller with snow flakes with kind messages. Our school counselor, Mr. Seeley, is going into our classrooms teaching kindness lessons. At the end of the month we will be holding a kindness celebration with presentations from the kindness committee.

Thank you to the Mrs. Matthews, Mrs. Mazariego, the PTO and all our parent and staff volunteers for putting together a great Snow Ball dance for our students to enjoy. Please join us at the next PTO meeting on Thursday the 15th. We want to hear your voice, and we need help planning these wonderful events for our students.

Last week, the New York State Education Department shared the most recent accountability statuses for schools. I am pleased to share that Zoller is once again considered a school in good standing by the New York State Education Department based on our state exam scores. This is no surprise to me as I see great things happening everyday in Zoller classrooms. When Zoller students are here, they are learning. Let's all do our best to make sure every student is here everyday and on time.

At Zoller Everybody Counts. Everbody Learns. It is the place to be!

Warm regards,

Mr. O'Connor

Attendance Matters:

We would like to remind all parents and guardians about the importance of regular school attendance. Consistent attendance is crucial for your child's academic success and social development. If your child is unable to attend school due to illness or any other reason, please ensure you notify the attendance office as soon as possible. We appreciate your cooperation in making attendance a top priority. 

An excuse is required for any absence to be considered legal. A list of legal absence reasons are available at: schenectadyschools.org/page/attendance-policy

Tardiness Policy:

Punctuality is a valuable habit that sets the tone for a successful day of learning. We kindly request that all students arrive to school on time. Students who arrive after 8:00 AM are marked tardy.  Tardiness not only disrupts your child's learning but can also impact the entire class. Children who arrive late often miss core math and English Language Arts instruction.  If your child is consistently arriving late, please reach out to his or her teacher or the school office so that we can work together to address any challenges and support your child in being on-time.

Food Assistance available:

As part of our ongoing commitment to supporting our school community, we are pleased to announce that we have a food pantry available at the school for families experiencing food insecurity. We also have a partnership with Schenectady Inner City Ministry to provide our families with more support as needed.

To access any of these supports, please contact our Parent Liaison Griselda Mazariego by calling the main office and leaving a message or emailing her at mazariegog@schenectadyschools.org. You can also speak to your student's classroom teacher or any other staff member, and they will put you in touch with Mrs. Mazariego

Mission Statement:

At Zoller Elementary, our mission is to cultivate a learning community where every student thrives academically, socially, and emotionally. We are dedicated to fostering a supportive environment that promotes equity, embraces diversity, and celebrates individual identities. We strive to empower our students to become confident, competent, and compassionate individuals who contribute positively to their communities and the world.

Vision Statement:

At Zoller Elementary, we envision a learning environment that not only excels in academic achievement but also places a strong emphasis on social and emotional growth. We aspire to be a model of equity, ensuring that every student has access to opportunities and resources he or she needs to succeed. Our commitment is to develop well-rounded, empowered students who embrace their identities, respect others, and are prepared for an ever-changing global society.

          Zoller Elementary Goals and Non-Negotiables

• Literacy:

  • Goal: To ensure that students are reading, writing, and communicating at grade level.

  • Non-negotiable: Implementation of the District’s research-based Literacy programs with rigor and fidelity.

• Equity:

  • Goal: To ensure that all students have access to the opportunities and resources that they need to succeed.

  • Non-negotiable: Addressing and mitigating disparities, promoting inclusivity, and adopting policies that prioritize fairness.

• Differentiation:

  • Goal: To meet the diverse needs of students by tailoring instruction to individual learning styles and abilities.

  • Non-negotiable: Using various teaching strategies, providing enrichment and support, and recognizing and accommodating different learning preferences.

• Empowerment:

  • Goal: To empower students by fostering a sense of confidence, autonomy, and self-efficacy.

  • Non-negotiable: Creating an environment that encourages student voice, choice, and active participation in their learning. 

• Culturally Responsiveness:

  • Goal: To recognize and celebrate the diversity of students' backgrounds and identities.

  • Non-negotiable: Integrating culturally responsive teaching, providing representation in curriculum and resources, and creating a positive and inclusive atmosphere.

• Restorative Practices:

  • Goal: To create a positive and supportive school culture by emphasizing conflict resolution and repairing harm.

  • Non-negotiable: Implementing restorative justice approaches, fostering a sense of accountability, and building a community based on respect and understanding.

• Safe Space:

  • Goal: To provide a physically and emotionally safe environment for students to learn and express themselves.

  • Non-negotiable: Establishing clear policies against bullying, creating a welcoming atmosphere, and addressing concerns promptly.

• Social-Emotional Learning:

  • Goal: To support the development of emotional intelligence, interpersonal skills, and overall well-being.

  • Non-negotiable: Integrating SEL into the curriculum, providing resources for emotional support, and fostering a positive social environment.

•  Family and School Relationships:

  • Goal: To establish strong partnerships between families and school for the benefit of the child's education.

  • Non-negotiable: Open communication, involving parents in their child's learning, and providing opportunities for family engagement.

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