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.
Attention: Students headed to 9th grade in the fall
Big Picture Schenectady is now accepting interest forms for students who will be 9th graders in Fall 2026.
The interest form should be completed for any current 8th grader who is interested in Big Picture next year.
👉 Fill out the Interest Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScyd5az6Rt1d-SIDO_Ovk4aKMKdc4tDdcjOshDGd6338tDi3g/viewform
⚠️ Submission Deadline: January 20, 2026
Please click on the link to open Superintendent Dr. Cotto's holiday video message: https://www.schenectadyschools.org/o/scsd/page/superintendents-holiday-message-december-23-2025
We wish you a wonderful holiday, happy new year, and fantastic recess.
We wish you a wonderful holiday, happy new year, and fantastic recess.
We are proud to announce that Jonathan Cooley has been named the new Assistant Principal of Mont Pleasant Middle School. He will join the MPMS team on January 7.
Please join us in giving Mr. Cooley a warm welcome.
>> Click here for more information: https://www.schenectadyschools.org/article/2611010
Please join us in giving Mr. Cooley a warm welcome.
>> Click here for more information: https://www.schenectadyschools.org/article/2611010
SUPERINTENDENT'S UPDATE
Please click on the link to open Superintendent Dr. Cotto's update for this week: https://www.schenectadyschools.org/o/scsd/page/superintendents-update-december-19-2025
Please click on the link to open Superintendent Dr. Cotto's update for this week: https://www.schenectadyschools.org/o/scsd/page/superintendents-update-december-19-2025
:📊 Mark Your Calendars: Interim Progress Reports
Secondary interim progress reports will be mailed home on Monday, December 22.
Want to see your student’s progress sooner? You don't have to wait for the mail. You will be able to access the reports through the Infinite Campus Backpack.
How to check:
Log in to the Infinite Campus Parent Portal.
Navigate to the "More" section.
Click on "Backpack" to view and download the report.
Secondary interim progress reports will be mailed home on Monday, December 22.
Want to see your student’s progress sooner? You don't have to wait for the mail. You will be able to access the reports through the Infinite Campus Backpack.
How to check:
Log in to the Infinite Campus Parent Portal.
Navigate to the "More" section.
Click on "Backpack" to view and download the report.
Tuesday Check-In: Let's Shine! ✨
Good morning, everyone!
It's Tuesday, and a new day means new possibilities. Let's bring our best energy and focus to the challenges ahead. We are ready to make great things happen this week.
Thanks for showing up. We are glad you are here today.
#projectbehere #SchenectadyShowsUp #EveryDayCounts
Good morning, everyone!
It's Tuesday, and a new day means new possibilities. Let's bring our best energy and focus to the challenges ahead. We are ready to make great things happen this week.
Thanks for showing up. We are glad you are here today.
#projectbehere #SchenectadyShowsUp #EveryDayCounts
Please click on the link to open Superintendent Dr. Cotto's update for this week: https://www.schenectadyschools.org/o/scsd/page/superintendents-update-december-12-2025
Showing Up for Success!
We meet our students where they are—but that journey starts with them being in the classroom. Regular attendance is the foundation of our commitment to ensuring every child feels valued and supported.
Thank you to our dedicated staff and families for working together to get our students to school today.
#projectbehere #schenectadyshowsup #EveryDayCounts #EducationLeadership #SchenectadySchools #StudentSuccess
We meet our students where they are—but that journey starts with them being in the classroom. Regular attendance is the foundation of our commitment to ensuring every child feels valued and supported.
Thank you to our dedicated staff and families for working together to get our students to school today.
#projectbehere #schenectadyshowsup #EveryDayCounts #EducationLeadership #SchenectadySchools #StudentSuccess
🔔 Please click on the link to open Superintendent Dr. Cotto's update for this week: https://bit.ly/4pX5wmx
Have a great weekend.
Have a great weekend.
A huge thank you to everyone prioritizing being here every day.
We love seeing your faces. Being here connects you to our vibrant school community and ensures you don't miss out on important lessons and fun activities. Keep up the great work—your presence makes a difference.
#projectbehere #SchenectadyShowsUp #EveryDayCounts
We love seeing your faces. Being here connects you to our vibrant school community and ensures you don't miss out on important lessons and fun activities. Keep up the great work—your presence makes a difference.
#projectbehere #SchenectadyShowsUp #EveryDayCounts
REMINDER: 8th Grade High School Information Session
Tonight is the first of three scheduled High School Information Sessions for all 8th-grade families.
Thursday, December 4
6:30 p.m.
Mont Pleasant Middle School
We encourage 8th graders and their families to attend to learn about the transition to high school. We look forward to seeing you.
Tonight is the first of three scheduled High School Information Sessions for all 8th-grade families.
Thursday, December 4
6:30 p.m.
Mont Pleasant Middle School
We encourage 8th graders and their families to attend to learn about the transition to high school. We look forward to seeing you.
⚠️ Attendance Alert: Are You on Track?
Did you know that missing just 18 days of school (or 10% of the school year) makes a student chronically absent, regardless of whether the absence is excused?
With only 14 instructional days left until the holiday break, consistent attendance now is critical to: 📚 Close learning gaps. 📋 Prepare for screening assessments 🤝 Maintain classroom connection.
Learn more about the importance of attendance and the effects of chronic absenteeism: https://aptg.co/2qVRkF
Let’s partner to ensure every student is present and prepared for success.
#projectbehere #everydaycounts #Schenectadyshowsup
Did you know that missing just 18 days of school (or 10% of the school year) makes a student chronically absent, regardless of whether the absence is excused?
With only 14 instructional days left until the holiday break, consistent attendance now is critical to: 📚 Close learning gaps. 📋 Prepare for screening assessments 🤝 Maintain classroom connection.
Learn more about the importance of attendance and the effects of chronic absenteeism: https://aptg.co/2qVRkF
Let’s partner to ensure every student is present and prepared for success.
#projectbehere #everydaycounts #Schenectadyshowsup
