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Issue No. 24, February 14, 2025

Good afternoon,

Happy Valentines Day!

I'll start today's update with our middle school plan regarding weapon screening. Now that we have successfully implemented weapon screening systems at Schenectady High School, we will soon begin the implementation at the three middle schools. We are currently awaiting the arrival of the equipment but if all goes as planned, we will begin the soft launch at Oneida immediately following the winter break. We expect to have the systems in place and working at all three schools by mid-March. You will be receiving information from your school regarding your timeline and the process. In preparation, I'm including some key information below regarding things students should know and a video that was produced shorter after implementation at the high school.

How quickly the morning process goes will be determined by how prepared students are. That is why we start with a soft launch. I know the middle school teams are currently doing walk-through drills and talking with the students about what to expect. The more students can be prepared and know what to have out of their pockets and in backpacks, the quicker things will move in the morning. All three of the middle schools are also working to ensure that students will enter in a location where they will at no time be forced to wait outdoors. For example, Oneida is changing the student entrance to the cafeteria because there is more room for students to enter at that point.

Weapons Screening

Weapons Screening

In the News

Restorative Practices Highlighted by Spectrum News

You may have seen Schenectady's restorative practices team highlighted on Spectrum News this week. The news segment was taped last month and is airing on Spectrum News this week. If you did not have a chance to catch it, please visit the Spectrum News website to watch.

Pillars

Kudos to the our restorative practice team for their hard work, reporter Corey James and to Spectrum News for highlighting this important work. Restorative practice specialists play a key role in our district. They work to help students foster relationships, learn from mistakes, repair harm and develop a sense of belonging. The program aims to replace traditional disciplinary methods with dialogue and accountability.

SHS student interview

Did You Know

Did You Know?

We launched the "Did You Know" series as part of our Strategic Plan awareness and marketing campaign because it connects to all of the pillars at one time or another and is an effort to improve engagement and partnership with our families. The "Did You Know" topics stem from commonly asked questions from our school community or topics that seem to have some confusion or misinformation circulating.

This week's "Did You Know" focuses on school counseling (see video below). I've heard different parents say that they didn't know that every school, especially elementary school, has at least one school counselor available to students. If your child is struggling with an issue or needs some additional support, a school counselor would be a good place to turn.

Our next "Did You Know" topic will focus on the impacts of absenteeism.

Pillars

Do You Know What the Five Safety Protocols Are and What They Mean?

This topic also comes up often. It's important that our school staff, students, and families know what each of the safety protocols are and what they mean.

Do you Know?

Passionate People
We continue our recognition campaign by connecting the work of our faculty and staff throughout the district to our Strategic Plan pillars. This week, we proudly recognize James Spooner, buildings and grounds supervisor as our Passionate Person of the Week. We are grateful to Mr. Spooner for his hard work and dedication. #passionatepeople

Passionate People

Passionate People James Spooner

Passionate People Spooner

Featured Alumni

Meet Precious Riehl, SHS Class of 2009, who is now a Program Manager in the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility at the New York State Office of Children and Family Services. I congratulate Precious on her accomplishments. She makes us proud. #studentandgradutesuccess

Student and Graduate Success

alumni profile Riehl

Alumni Profile: Ahteras West

Recognizing Our Teachers

As part of our new strategic plan, we also recognize our educators for the work that they do to support our students.

This week, we celebrate Ahteras West, a first grade teacher at Pleasant Valley Elementary School, as our highlighted Teacher of the Week. Ahteras is one of many passionate educators in our district. We are grateful to her for the difference she makes in the lives of her students.

Passionate People

Board of Education Video Profiles

Board of Education members are part of our passionate people team. Please join us by letting our board members know that you are grateful for their service and all that they do for the students and Schenectady community. This week's video profiles feature Alexandria Carver and Nohelani Etienne. Watch for additional board member highlights and videos over the upcoming weeks.

Passionate People

Partnerships with Family and Community

Working to Address Food Insecurity

This week members of our community came together in support of our students, families & community to discuss solutions around food insecurities and how to expand access for families through our partnership with the Regional Food Bank, Sycamore Collaborative, Innovation, Equity, and Engagement (IEE), and food services. #partnershipswithfamiliesandcommunity

Partnership with Families and Community

food insecurity

Rotary Club Hosts Book Fair

Thank you to the Schenectady Rotary which sponsored a Scholastic Book Fair at Keane Elementary throughout the week. The Rotary adopted Keane and continues to support the school's community school efforts with service to the students and families of the school. Through the generosity of the club's donors, each student in the school was able to take home a brand new book of their choosing. The fair was staffed by fourteen Rotary volunteers who helped each student choose their book and scan it at the register.

Pillars

This was the first year since COVID closure that Keane was able to hold a book fair for students. Rotary also funds take home literacy for 2nd grade students to help make sure that all Keane students are reading on grade level. Watch the video below to see Keane Pre-K students choosing their books.

Thank You to Our Partners at the City Mission

On Thursday morning I attended the grand opening of the City Mission "School Connections," at the City Mission's Distribution Center, located at 11 Cheltingham Avenue. This new space is designed to help local schools provide essential items - like clothing, coats, shoes and socks - to students in need. A huge thank you to the Schenectady community for being so generous with donations which will help the City Mission serve our students. Parents who need clothing items for their children can reach out to your school's parent liaison. Let them know what you need.

Pillar 3: Partnerships with Families and Community

City mission group

City Mission 3

City mission 2

City mission 1

Schenectady Educational Foundation

Thank you to Schenectady Educational Foundation, which has provided over $560,000 to our teachers since it began. This year it has provided 40 grants, totaling $59,000 to classrooms across Schenectady. See flyers below for the scholarship opportunities for students. The foundation's support is another example of Partnerships with Families and Communities and Student and Graduate Success. Learn more & how you can help here: https://www.scsdef.org/

Pillars

Student and Graduate Success

Regional Poetry Out Loud Contest

Congratulations to SHS Students Xiomary Nales and Jane Kitch-Willis for participating in the Regional Poetry Out Loud contest at Hudson Valley Community College! Special shoutout to Jane for placing 2nd. She’ll represent Schenectady High School & the Capital Region at the State competition in NYC on March 15. Jane is pictured below (left) with the winner from Saratoga. Thanks to Teachers & Writers Collaborative for the photo.

Student and Graduate Success

POETRY OUT LOUD FINALISTS

Students Participate in Future of Healthcare Workshop

We proudly recognize our seven Schenectady High School Students who completed The Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences' "Future of Healthcare" Workshop last Friday. These students, who have an interest in STEM, were selected to attend this hands-on workshop which gave the a look at biomedical studies, clinical and health sciences, social and behavioral sciences, and pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences. This was a great opportunity for our students.

Student and Graduate Success

Future of healthcare workshop

Patriot Leadership Academy

This week members of our team spent time on Tuesday afternoon learning and growing at Patriot Leadership Academy. Members from various offices and divisions participated in workshops and sessions that offered professional coaching and leadership practices for a number of topics.

Patriot Leadership Academy

Patriot Leadership Academy

Visit to Center City

I enjoyed visiting and meeting with students in our Early College High School Program at the SUNY Center City Campus.

Center City students

Center City students

Center City students

Center City students

Unified Bowling Team

Thank you to the Unified Bowling Team. They took a few minutes to pose with me after they finished their game. This was a fun time.

unified bowling

Hamilton Hill Arts Center Annual Gala

Last Friday I had the pleasure of attending the Hamilton Hill Arts Center's Annual Gala at Proctors GE Theatre. The event featured Schenectady staff, students and community members. I'd like to recognize Obaroene Otitigbe and Kayla Bonham, two art teachers at Schenectady High School, who had works on display at the gala. The event began with a performance of "Lift Every Voice" by four Schenectady High School Alumni, Alanna Williams (2021), Zhamanique Sanders (2013), Lyanna Stovall (2019), and Tiana Stovall (2017).

Mr. O artwork

SHS art teachers

Lift Every Voice Singers

Schenectady Foundation

The Schenectady Foundation is offering scholarships to Schenectady. One is for students pursuing a teaching degree and the other is for a graduating senior interested in STEM. Thank you to the Schenectady Foundation for offering these opportunities. See the flyers below. You can learn more about the Schenectady Foundation here.

pillars

Scholarship

Scholarship

Coming Up

Pre-K Family Information Night

Is your 3 or 4-year-old ready for Pre-K? Please learn more about how our enrollment process works by attending our information session on the 24th! RSVP through this link: https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSehnNyj3N.../viewform. This event will be available via livestream.

PreK Information Night

Upcoming Staff vs. Students Basketball Game and Fundraiser

February 27, 5 p.m., in the Schenectady High School Gym
The game is a fundraiser for prom.

Everyone is invited!

Staff v students hoops

Blue Roses Theatre Company Production

The Blue Roses Theatre Co. is presenting their second production of the season this weekend. "Vampire Cowboy Trilogy" is playing in the Black Box Theatre at the high school tonight and tomorrow at 7 p.m., and their will be a matinee tomorrow at 2 p.m. I hope to see you there.

Student and Graduate Success

Vampire Cowboy

cowboy flyer

Superintendent's Coffee Chat

My next coffee chats will be held Thursday, February 27, 6 p.m. and Friday, February 28, 7 a.m. at the Family and Community Engagement Center located at 530 Liberty St. Everyone is welcome. Please join me for a cup of coffee and to chat about anything you choose.

Passionate People

Celebrating Black History Month: Black Alumni Event

Coming up at SHS on February 25, our first ever Black alumni event! The event will give students the opportunity to speak with Black alumni from Schenectady about their career and experiences after high school. During the event students will rotate through all the alumni with a small group of peers to engage in quick conversations.

SHS students can sign up here.

black alumni event

Board of Education Meeting

The next Board of Education meeting will be held Wednesday, February 26, 6:30 p.m. at 530 Liberty St. The meeting will be live-streamed. Watch for the agenda and link to stream after recess.

Our Strategic Plan

I continue to encourage everyone to become familiar with our Strategic Plan and how you connect to the pillars. Student and graduate success take the commitment and dedication of all of us. Learn more about our Strategic Plan and how we connect our work to the four pillars here.

This is just another reminder to all families that we are here to support you. This remains a challenging time but know that we are committed to keeping schools safe, inclusive and supportive spaces for all students. We have clear guidance for school leaders and staff regarding how we address any interactions from any outside entity. Our intent and action is always to support our students. The memo that I sent to all families remains posted online here. Please reach out to my office, if you have questions or need clarification.

Thank you for all you do. Please enjoy your recess next week. Take some time to unplug, relax and have some fun. The district office will be closed on Monday in observance of Presidents Day. I look forward to seeing you back in school on February 24.

Stay warm and enjoy!

Sincerely,

Dr. Carlos M. Cotto Jr.
Superintendent of Schools

Reminders

District Events

February 17 - 21
Winter Break/No School
District Offices are Closed February 17

School Events

February 14

  • Blue Roses Theatre Company presents Vampire Cowboy Trilogy, 7 p.m., Black Box Theatre at SHS

February 15

  • MLK Pre-K Readiness Program, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.

  • Blue Roses Theatre Company presents Vampire Cowboy Trilogy, 2 and 7 p.m., Black Box Theatre at SHS

February 24

  • Fire Chefs: Developing Your Flavors, 4 p.m., Mont Pleasant Middle School

  • Pre-K Information Night, 5:30 p.m., 530 Liberty St.


Community Events

February 20

  • Bethel Northside Mobile Food Pantry, 1840 Van Vranken Ave, 4:00PM-6:00PM

Athletics

February 16

  • Boys Varsity Winter Track, 8:00 a.m., Hudson Valley Community College

  • Girls Varsity Winter Track, 8 a.m., Hudson Valley Community College

February 17

  • Girls Niskayuna/Schenectady Varsity Wrestling 9 a.m., Guilderland High School

February 18

  • Girls Niskayuna/Schenectady Varsity Wrestling 9 a.m., Guilderland High School

  • Girls Varsity Competitive Cheerleading, 1 p.m., Troy

  • Boys Freshman Basketball, 4 p.m., Troy

  • Boys JV Basketball, 5:30 p.m., Troy

  • Boys Varsity Basketball, 7 p.m., Troy

February 20

  • Girls JV Cheerleading , 4 p.m., Niskayuna High School

  • Girls Varsity Competitive Cheerleading, 8:50 p.m., Niskayuna High School

February 22

  • Boys Varsity Winter Track, 8 a.m., Hudson Valley Community College

  • Girls Varasity Winter Track, 8 a.m., Hudson Valley Community College

  • Girls Varsity Competitive Cheerleading, 10 a.m., Shaker High School

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