🎒 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.
Good Afternoon Families:
A survey flyer was sent home on Friday with students. If you did not receive it, below is the link for you to complete
the survey. Your voice matters, complete the survey! We appreciate you and we thank you!
click link: https://tejoin.com/scroll/204800680
A survey flyer was sent home on Friday with students. If you did not receive it, below is the link for you to complete
the survey. Your voice matters, complete the survey! We appreciate you and we thank you!
click link: https://tejoin.com/scroll/204800680
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
Good Afternoon Oneida Families:
Please complete the family survey. click link: https://tejoin.com/scroll/204800680
Please complete the family survey. click link: https://tejoin.com/scroll/204800680
Every Saturday from Mar 14 through Apr 4 ALL middle school students are invited to the Saturday Literacy program at Mont Pleasant Middle School.
Read, code, build, fly and boost your literacy skills through fun STEAM Activities.
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
Hello Families of 6th Graders!
We are hosting a Teen Night on Thursday, March 26th from 5:00pm to 6:30pm. There will be many activities including Karaoke, Arts & Crafts, Board Games, Video Games, etc. Additionally, there will be a concession table to raise funds for future PBIS events. See the attached flyer.
¡Hola familias de alumnos de 6.º grado!
El jueves 26 de marzo, de 17:00 a 18:30, celebraremos una Noche para Adolescentes. Habrá muchas actividades, como karaoke, manualidades, juegos de mesa, videojuegos, etc. Además, habrá una mesa de concesiones para recaudar fondos para futuros eventos de PBIS. Consulten el folleto adjunto.
We are hosting a Teen Night on Thursday, March 26th from 5:00pm to 6:30pm. There will be many activities including Karaoke, Arts & Crafts, Board Games, Video Games, etc. Additionally, there will be a concession table to raise funds for future PBIS events. See the attached flyer.
¡Hola familias de alumnos de 6.º grado!
El jueves 26 de marzo, de 17:00 a 18:30, celebraremos una Noche para Adolescentes. Habrá muchas actividades, como karaoke, manualidades, juegos de mesa, videojuegos, etc. Además, habrá una mesa de concesiones para recaudar fondos para futuros eventos de PBIS. Consulten el folleto adjunto.
Good Afternoon Timberwolf Families:
Checkout the latest events from Oneida in this month's issue of the Timberwolf Times!
https://bit.ly/46Jd4Cf
Checkout the latest events from Oneida in this month's issue of the Timberwolf Times!
https://bit.ly/46Jd4Cf
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.
🎲Highlights from Oneida Middle School's Family Game Night held last week.
📖 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
