
Issue No. 26, February 28, 2025
Good afternoon,
I hope you enjoyed your winter recess last week. It's great to see everyone back. It's hard to believe that we have already reached the 100 days of school mark. Now is the time to refocus and finish the last four months on a high note.
On Wednesday evening, the Board of Education approved a resolution recognizing Phagwa/Holi and Eid-al-Fitr as paid holidays for all employees this school year. As such, all faculty and staff will have March 14 and March 31 off and the district will be closed on both of these days. This applies only to the current school. year.
Also at the Board of Education meeting, Mr. Gillooley provided an broad overview of district wide staffing for the 2025-2026 Budget. He also reviewed tax cap information. Mr. Gillooley noted that the district has not increased the tax levy in six years. We will determine if an increase will be recommended as we move through the budget process.
Members of the Office of Teaching and Learning provided an overview of districtwide literacy. You can review that presentation here
You can watch the meeting and view the presentatations here.
The next meeting of the Board of Education will be a work session scheduled for March 12.
STEAM Camp
Last week during recess, our Community Schools hosted February STEAM Camp for students across the district. Thank you to the teachers who worked with our students for the week, and I’d also like to recognize all of the Schenectady High School students who gained experience working with and mentoring our young learners.



Students vs. Staff Basketball Game
Thursday afternoon our high school students held a students versus staff basketball game to raise money for their prom. It was amazing to see so many students and members of the school community on hand to enjoy this fun student planned event.








Weapon Screening Systems
We will soon be rolling out the implementation of weapon screening systems in our three middle schools. Oneida Middle School already began a soft launch this week, they will be the first to begin the new entry process on Monday morning, with Mont Pleasant and Central park following shortly after. Check your email for information 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.


Boys Varsity Basketball Makes Playoff Push
Our Boys Varsity Basketball Team won against Guilderland in the push in game Wednesday to advance to the quarterfinals in Sectional play. The Patriots next game is against top-seeded Green Tech on Sunday afternoon at 4 p.m., at Hudson Valley Community College.





Recognizing Our Teachers
As part of our Strategic Plan awareness campaign, we continue to recognize our educators for the work that they do to support our students.
This week, Obaroene Otitigbe, a studio art teacher at SHS, is our Teacher of the Week. Obaroene is one of many passionate educators in our district, and we’re so grateful to his commitment and dedication to our students over the last six years.

Our Strategic Plan
I encourage everyone to familiarize themselves with our Strategic Plan and reflect on how their work connects to its pillars. Student and graduate success require the commitment and dedication of all of us. Learn more about our Strategic Plan and how we align our efforts with its four pillars here.



Kindergarten Registration Opens Monday
Is your child turning 5 before December 1st of this year? If so, they are eligible for kindergarten!
To register, please visit our Central Office in person at 530 Liberty Street.
For a list of required documents and more information, visit: Student Registration.
We look forward to welcoming your child to Schenectady City Schools!

Community Event
Open to Everyone

Spring is just around the corner and our spring athletes will be returning to our outdoor facilities, there are currently Unified Bowling and Modified Swimming events on the calendar as our winter sports season wraps up. I wish everyone good luck with tryouts and hope to see you out on the field sometime soon.
I'll conclude today's update by saying "Ramadan Mubarak" to those in the Schenectady community who celebrate. Ramadan is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. Ramadan is one of the many holidays celebrated by our diverse Schenectady school community.
Enjoy your weekend.
Sincerely,
Dr. Carlos M. Cotto Jr.
Superintendent of Schools
Reminders
Schenectady Foundation Scholarship Opportunities


District Events
School Events
March 4, 2025:
School Events:
SOUL STEPS/Drumming Residency at Schenectady High School, 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. (3/4-3/7)
March 5, 2025:
School Events:
SOUL STEPS/Drumming Residency at Schenectady High School, 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. (3/4-3/7)
March 6, 2025:
School Events:
SOUL STEPS/Drumming Residency at Schenectady High School, 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. (3/4-3/7)
March 7, 2025:
School Events:
Howe International Night, 6 - 7 p.m.
SOUL STEPS/Drumming Residency at Schenectady High School, 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. (3/4-3/7)
Community Events
March 4, 2025:
Traveling Art Show on display at Proctors- Through 5/13/25
Athletics
March 2, 2025
Boys Basketball Sectionals vs. Green Tech, 4 p.m. at Hudson Valley Community College
March 4, 2025:
Athletics:
Boys Unified Bowling vs. Shaker High School @ Boulevard Bowl, 4:15 p.m.
GirlsUnified Bowling v. TBD @ Boulevard Bowl, 4:15 p.m.
Boys (Schenectady-Colonie Modified Swimming) at Schenectady High School, 4:30 p.m.
March 6, 2025:
Athletics:
Boys Unified Bowling v. Ballston Spa High School @ Boulevard Bowl, 4:15 p.m.
Girls Unified Bowling v. Ballston Spa High School @ Boulevard Bowl, 4:15 p.m.

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