Yates Elementary School

Please click on the link to open Superintendent Cotto's update for this week: https://www.schenectadyschools.org/o/scsd/page/district-update-june-6-2025 Have a great weekend.

COMMUNITY NOTE: Learn to Skate Programs this summer See flyer here: https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/2760/SCSD/5723102/Learn_to_Skate.pdf

Please Join Us Friday at 8:45 to watch The Yates Annual Air Band Performance. Click the link https://www.youtube.com/live/veYa4wrQdxU?si=lukLJZ-Wg0USuoya

The Schenectady Ole Timers Baseball Club will be running a Baseball Clinic for Sch'dy kids ages 7-12 on July 7 & 8 .  The clinic is free & offers high level instruction. Register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc6PqfkW0963NTOEGlwgA-elVTGnqWXRc1HetvOT7IkkggoKg/viewform

Please click on the link to open Superintendent Cotto's update for the week ending May 30. https://www.schenectadyschools.org/o/scsd/page/district-update-may-30-2025 Have a great weekend.

Join us Monday Morning at 8:45 for our MAY ASSEMBLY! https://www.youtube.com/live/I5fVZZ8aB78?si=DvIgzuO7WTb7kCma

Today is a day to remember and honor the fallen. Let us take a moment to reflect on their courage. We are forever grateful for their service and sacrifice. #memorialday

Please click on the link to open Superintendent Cotto's update for this week: https://www.schenectadyschools.org/o/scsd/page/district-update-may-22-2025 REMINDER: Schools and district offices will be closed Friday, May 23 and Monday, May 26. Have a great weekend.

Results of Schenectady City School Budget Vote and School Board Election: Budget Passed * 681 Yes votes * 113 No votes Cathy Lewis and Vivian Parson were re-elected to three-year terms on the Board of Education Thank you to Schenectady voters!

🗳 Annual budget vote and Board of Ed election - Polls are open now! 🚫 No tax levy increase 🏛 The budget supports the four pillars of the Strategic Plan 🗣 Two Board of Education seats are open More info here ➡️ https://www.schenectadyschools.org/article/2180253

Please click on the link to open Superintendent Cotto's update for this week: https://www.schenectadyschools.org/o/scsd/page/district-update-may-16-2025 Have a great weekend.

We are aware of the swatting calls taking place across the region. We realize that you may have seen these posts from other areas. Our local police are also aware . Fake threats have serious consequences. If you see posts with any kind of threat, please report it.

Important Announcement From Principal Flanders Distraction-Free Policy (Cell-phones) As you probably have heard, Governor Hochul recently announced a cell phone restriction must be implemented in all schools in New York State beginning in the 2025-2026 school year. The "distraction-free policy" requires schools to implement bell-to-bell restrictions on phones throughout the school day. A team of our district leaders have been discussing this very topic for several months but with the state mandate we are required to have a plan ready for implementation by the start of the next school year. We will share much more information coming soon and will have an ongoing communication plan with all the details before the end of this school year and over the summer leading up to the start of the next school year. “New York was the first state to target addictive social media feeds — and now we’re the largest state to restrict smartphones in schools throughout the entire school day,” Governor Hochul said. “I know our young people succeed when they’re learning and growing, not clicking and scrolling — and that’s why New York continues to lead the nation on protecting our kids in the digital age.” Governor Hochul pursued this initiative after engaging in a statewide listening tour with teachers, parents, and students, and gathering findings to support the need for greater cellphone restriction in our schools. Her report "More Learning, Less Scrolling: Creating Distraction-Free Schools" includes: Smartphones distract students and inhibit learning and creativity. Phone-free environments do not compromise student safety. Phone-free environments support the mental health of students and teachers. Open communication and direct guidance for all stakeholders is key for successful implementation. Schools must address any parent concerns about staying in contact with their children during the day. An effective distraction-free policy must focus on the entire school day, rather than solely on time in the classroom. Schools can strengthen their distraction-free environment by connecting more students with in-person engagement like clubs, sports, arts and other programming. Again we will be sharing much more information, including our district's plan for implementation.

🗳 On Tuesday, May 20, residents of the Schenectady City School District will vote on the proposed $295,514,615 budget for the 2025-26 school year. 📈 This represents a $17,782,846 or 6.4% increase in spending 🚫 No tax levy increase for a seventh consecutive school year 🏛 The budget reflects the district's goals and supports the four pillars of the Strategic Plan ☑️ Since there is no tax levy increase, a simple majority is required for the budget to pass 🗣 Residents will also select two members to the Board of Education. ⏰ Polls are open from noon to 9 p.m. If you are unsure of where to vote, click here ➡️ https://nb.findmypollplace.com/schenectadyCSD/AmIRegistered.aspx?language=en

REMINDER: The 2025-2026 Budget Hearing will be held on Wednesday, May 7 at 6:30 p.m. at 530 Liberty St. The BOE work session will immediately follow the hearing. Both will be live-streamed. Live-stream link: https://www.youtube.com/live/2TsFCBtClZ4

Tuesday 💪🏼

Please click on the link to open Superintendent Cotto's update for this week: https://www.schenectadyschools.org/o/scsd/page/district-update-may-02-2025 Have a great weekend.

Registration is open for elementary summer camp. Click here for more information and to register: https://www.schenectadyschools.org/article/2175688

Spring Concert Updates 🎵🎶🎵🎶

🎬 Sign up for SEP Theatre Camp The SEP Theatre Camp is open to students entering grades 3-5 in fall 2025. The camp is meant for students interested in Musical Theatre performance. Students will learn acting, singing, dancing, and stagecraft skills. The camp will culminate in a performance of 🐠 Go Fish the musical 🐠 🗓The camp will run as part of the Extended Day Program of the Summer Enrichment Program. The camp will take place at Schenectady High School on weekdays from July 7th-August 1st, 2025 from 2:30 - 5:30pm. 🚌 Students will be bussed from their Summer Enrichment Day Program to SHS for camp each day. SCSD cannot provide transportation to SHS for students not enrolled in the Summer Enrichment Program. Students not involved in the Summer Enrichment Program will need to be dropped off at SHS Door 8 at 2:30pm each day. All campers must be picked up at 5:30 each day, there is no transportation home. 🥪 All students will receive snack and dinner each day they attend camp. Registration is limited to 45 campers into the program and will close on Friday, May 30th. ➡️https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf8UXZbn_sopRcRDr4et1dWScnYWs5bEgRbX6BvosT0cOSdlg/viewform If you have additional questions about the program or registration, please reach out to Leia Depeche at depechel@schenectadyschools.org