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
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
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.
Please click on the link to open Superintendent Dr. Cotto's update for this week: https://www.schenectadyschools.org/o/scsd/page/superintendents-update-february-27-2026
🎒 Immediate Pre-K Openings! 🎒
Looking for a spot for the current school year? We have a limited number of immediate openings in our Pre-K program for the remainder of the 2025-2026 School Year! Register now by clicking on the link below.
>> https://schenectady.infinitecampus.org/campus/apps/olr/application/login/kiosk-app-type
Questions? Student Registration Office, (518)-881-3771
Looking for a spot for the current school year? We have a limited number of immediate openings in our Pre-K program for the remainder of the 2025-2026 School Year! Register now by clicking on the link below.
>> https://schenectady.infinitecampus.org/campus/apps/olr/application/login/kiosk-app-type
Questions? Student Registration Office, (518)-881-3771
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
Register for Spring 2026 Sports now!
🔗 https://students.arbitersports.com/organizations/schenectady-city-school-district-athletics
Register for JV/Varsity: February 9–March 9
Register for Modified (Grades 7–8): February 9–March 16
Tryouts begin March 9 for JV/Varsity and March 16 for Modified.
Baseball (Modified, JV & Varsity)
Boys & Girls Lacrosse (Modified, JV & Varsity)
Girls Flag Football (Modified & Varsity)
Softball (Modified, JV & Varsity)
Boys Tennis (Varsity)
Boys & Girls Tennis (Modified)
Boys & Girls Track & Field (Modified & Varsity)
Unified Basketball
Unified Cheerleading
Unified Sports joins students with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team. Schenectady students in grades 9–12 can be on Unified Sports teams.
🔗 https://students.arbitersports.com/organizations/schenectady-city-school-district-athletics
Register for JV/Varsity: February 9–March 9
Register for Modified (Grades 7–8): February 9–March 16
Tryouts begin March 9 for JV/Varsity and March 16 for Modified.
Baseball (Modified, JV & Varsity)
Boys & Girls Lacrosse (Modified, JV & Varsity)
Girls Flag Football (Modified & Varsity)
Softball (Modified, JV & Varsity)
Boys Tennis (Varsity)
Boys & Girls Tennis (Modified)
Boys & Girls Track & Field (Modified & Varsity)
Unified Basketball
Unified Cheerleading
Unified Sports joins students with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team. Schenectady students in grades 9–12 can be on Unified Sports teams.
