August 2023
Dear Parents, Guardians, and Caregivers,
I hope you had an enjoyable summer and are looking forward to the start of the new school year. We are excited to welcome you back. I look forward to meeting those who are new to our district.
The first day of school is Thursday, September 7.
Please note there is a change to the elementary school schedule. School Hours in 2023-2024 are as follows:
Elementary School (Pre-K through Grade 5): 7:45 a.m. - 2:40 p.m.
Middle School (Grades 6-8): 8:25 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
High School (Grades 9-12): 8:25 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
We have some exiting new programming and opportunities in 2023-2024. Last year we implemented the first phase of the Secondary Redesign with “City as Our Campus,” located at Proctors and Early College High School at the SUNY Schenectady Center City Campus. Both were a huge success. This year we are also excited to launch “Big Picture Learning Schenectady” with full capacity enrollment and high school leadership academies in which students connect with programming that matches with their curiosity and interests. Watch for more on the secondary school redesign during the school year.
Thanks to a GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) grant we will be providing support, services, and resources to 8th graders to accelerate their readiness for college. This began with a two-week orientation over the summer and will continue throughout the school year.
We will be continuing with AVID, a program that helps students develop organizational, thinking, and management skills, at the middle school level. It’s designed to support and assist students to be successful in school and prepare them for high school. The goal is to set students up for success.
We were awarded funding over the summer for a program that is modeled in part after the success of the Early College program and will provide mentorship and create access and opportunity for students to engage in college course work and participate in internships. Planning is underway. Watch for more information soon.
Last winter, we launched our first five community schools which include Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School, William C. Keane Elementary School, Hamilton Elementary School, Paige Elementary School, and Van Corlaer Elementary School. A community school serves as a hub for the school community with easy access to resources and support you might need such as food, clothing, housing, childcare, social service, legal support and more. Community schools are made possible through the partnership and collaboration of many Schenectady agencies and organizations who want to help students, families and our community thrive. Our goal is to expand the model to additional schools. Please continue to watch for more.
I am pleased to share that we are an official My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) Community and have more than 250 young men enrolled in the program. Watch for information this school year regarding the launch of My Sister’s Keeper. Focus is on providing support and helping our young people stay on track.
During the last school year, we partnered with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) practitioners from Tangle Development to help guide us with our DEI efforts. Our faculty and staff provided input and shared their experiences and thoughts on how we can improve. After we return for the new school year, we will share more information and will be asking parents, students, and community members to participate and provide input. Please watch for more in the fall.
Safety is always a top priority. Last year we significantly increased our safety team membership. You’ve come to know many of our team members as the “red shirts.” We continue to audit our safety practices and remain dedicated to providing a safe, welcoming, and comfortable learning environment for all. If you or your child see or hear something that seems suspicious, please report it immediately.
Thank you to all who supported our capital project referendum which will bring significant improvements to our schools. A master schedule has been developed outlining the plan, design, and construction. Work will begin soon. To learn more, visit our website and search or click on “Schenectady Revitalization Plan 2030.” We will provide regular updates on the website and in my Superintendent’s Briefs.
Enclosed you will find the 2023-2024 snapshot calendar. Please note that Holi is again an observed holiday in March. Also, to continue to be inclusive, Yom Kippur (September 25) is also an observed holiday. There will be no school for students on these two days. On the back side of the calendar, you will find your school contact information.
We will be providing basic school supplies for elementary and middle school students. High school students will be provided with a list of supplies that will be needed.
Please review the enclosed packet which includes important information regarding the new school year. If you haven’t received information already, you should soon receive a welcome letter from your school with any information specific to your child and their classroom.
If you have any questions or concerns, you can reach us 24 hours a day, seven days a week through “Let’s Talk.” The link is on the right-hand side of our website www.schenectadyschools.org or you can text to 518-900-7318.
Please download our mobile app from the Apple App Store or get it on Google Play. You can find it by searching “Schenectady City Schools.” The app is free to download and use.
Be sure that we have updated contact information, including your phone number and email address.
We look forward to partnering with you in 2023-2024.
I look forward to seeing you and your children soon.
Sincerely, Anibal Soler, Jr. Superintendent of Schools
BREAKFAST AND LUNCH All students in the Schenectady City School District are eligible to receive free breakfast and lunch each school day. The daily menu, nutrition and allergen information is available on our website and mobile app under “dining.”
TRANSPORTATION Transportation will be provided to students who are eligible as follows:
Students in grades Pre-K through 5 who attend school more than 1 mile from home.
Students in grades 6-12 who attend school more than 1.5 miles from home.
Disabled or special need students in accordance with recommendations from the Committee on Special Education.
You will receive transportation information in the mail prior to the start of school.
Transportation Office is open 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. Phone Number: 518-370-8103
CODE OF CHARACTER, CONDUCT AND SUPPORT
The District Code of Character, Conduct, and Support is available at your child’s school an on the district website here.
The overview video and electronic parent acknowledgement form is posted as well.
PARENT PORTAL
If you are not signed up for the Infinite Campus Parent Portal, please sign up now. You can sign up online.
WEBSITE AND MOBILE APP
Our mobile app can be downloaded from Apple or Google Play. Simply search “Schenectady Schools” or scan the QR code to the right. Once you download the app, you’ll have everything Schenectady Schools in your pocket. You will receive alerts and push notifications.
Both the website and app provide easy translation to dozens of languages and are ADA compliant which mean user who are blind, deaf, and those who must navigate by voice, screen readers or other assistive technology are able to access all our content.
Our custom-built app will help you stay up to date and provides easy access to information.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Please be sure you contact information is always up to date. We will be sending notifications, news, and any updates using push notifications, email, phone, and text messages. It’s important that we can reach you. Please contact your child’s school if you need to update your contact information.
When you receive email notices and electronic alerts from us, you will see that you have the option to translate our messages to any language.
When you receive email notices and electronic alerts from us, you will see that you have the option to translate our messages to any language.
SCHOOL CLOSINGS AND DELAYS School closings and delays will be posted on all the local media channels, our website, social media platforms, and through our mobile app. We will also call, text, and email you any closing or delay information.
If school is closed, all class and activities (day and evening) are cancelled.
If there is a one-hour delay:
The school day will begin one hour later than normal.
Students who are transported will be picked up at bus stop location one hour later than normal.
Breakfast and lunch will be served at school.
If there is a two-hour delay:
The school day will begin one hour later than normal.
Students who are transported will be picked up at bus stop location one hour later than normal.
Breakfast and lunch will be served at school.
CHILD FIND NOTICE If you have concerns about your child’s physical, social, or academic progress, please contact your school principal to make a referral to the Committee on Special Education. If you have questions, please call 518- 881-3413 Ext. 26036.
REQUIRED VACCINATIONS FOR STUDENTS New York State Public Health Law mandates all students in enrolled in school must provide documentation that they have received all required doses of vaccines. Please be aware that if your child needs any of these vaccinations and the school has not received the required documentation within the first 14 days of school, your child will not be allowed to attend. Requirements are posted on our or you can type “vaccination requirements” in the search box accessible by clicking on the magnifying glass on the top right-hand corner of the home page.
HEALTH EXAMS Education Law Article 19 and Regulations of the Commissioner of Education require physical examinations of public-school students as follows:
Entering the school district for the first time and in grades pre-K or kindergarten, 2, 4, 7 and 10; and at any grade level by the discretion of school administration to promote the educational interest of the student;
To participate in strenuous physical activity, such as interscholastic athletics;
To obtain an employment certificate;
When conducting an individual evaluation or re-evaluation of a student suspected of having a disability or a student with a disability.
IF YOUR CHILD IS SICK Please do not send your child to school if they are sick. Please have arrangements in place in the event your child need to unexpectedly need to be picked up from school.
FAMILY EDUCATION RIGHTS and PRIVACY PROVISIONS (FERPA) Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), parents and students 18 or older may inspect official records relating to them including progress reports, grades, aptitude and achievement test scores, psychological tests, and teacher evaluations.
A record may be challenged by parents or students who are 18 or older if they believe it is inaccurate or misleading. The district will not disclose information from students’ records without prior written request of a parent or eligible students except as permitted by law. A record of requests for information disclosures is maintained and may be viewed by those eligible. Contact Student Services at 518-881-3412.
ATTENDANCE It is very important that children are in school every day (unless they are sick). Please make every effort to ensure that your child comes to school on time. If you are struggling to get your child to school, please call your school principal. We have social workers and counselors who can help.
Did you know that chronic absenteeism is defined as missing 10 percent or more of school? That comes down to 18 days in a school year. Students who are chronically absent in Pre-K, kindergarten and first grade are much less likely to read at grade level by third grade. Students between grades 8 and 12 who are chronically absent are seven times more likely to drop out of school. Let’s work together to make sure your child stays on the path to graduation by attending school every day.
PUBLICITY OPT-OUT Schenectady City School District programs, activities and events involving students are sometimes covered in the news or shared in school and district publications, promotional materials, on our website, mobile app, and on social media.
You will receive a form from your child’s school to complete and send back if you do not give permission for your child to be included in any school or district print or electronic materials. You only need to complete the form if you do not give permission.
SOCIAL MEDIA We post many pictures, reminders, and promote events on social media. Please follow us on:
• Facebook: @SchenectadyCitySchoolDistrict • Twitter: @scschools • Instagram: @ schenectadycityschooldist • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/S...
LET’S TALK You can reach us through Let’s Talk 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Submit your question, concern, or idea by going to our website and clicking on theLet’s Talk button on the right-hand side or by texting 518- 900-7318.