Happy Friday,

I hope you had a great week. As we prepare to officially enter the holiday season, it's common for all of us to feel some additional stress. This is often a time when we tend to over schedule ourselves and try to do it all. I hope that you take some time for yourself to relax and enjoy some down time this weekend and throughout the next six weeks of hustle and bustle. Please keep in mind the holidays can be stressful for children as well. Please let us know if you need support. We have resources available for anyone who needs additional support during difficult times.

At the Board of Education meeting held Wednesday, Dr. Leah Kedley and Damonni Farley spoke briefly about the Family Opportunity Center (FOC) located at 120 Emmons St. in Steinmetz Homes. The FOC offers a wide range of supports and services to Schenectady families including support groups, workshops, referrals to other community-based services, help finding internships and employment, support for youth and family activities. The FOC also serves as the location for tutoring services and adult education classes (ESL and GED). The presentation includes an outline of services provided and what is coming up. The lease agreements for space at Henry Street and Emmons St. for the FOC and Adult and Continuing Education Programming were approved by the board at this meeting as well.

As per board of education request, representatives of Birthright of Schenectady spoke to the board about resources they provide to young women who are pregnant. Birthright is committed to providing confidential, non-judgmental support to any woman who is pregnant or thinks she might be pregnant, no matter her age, race, circumstances, religion, marital status or financial situation. Birthright is a charitable organization that relies on the dedication, time and talents of volunteers and the generosity of donations. They provide maternity and baby items at no cost, information about prenatal care, community programs, parent skills, child care and provide referrals for medical support, financial resources, housing, legal, social assistance, and personal counseling.

The next board of education meeting is a work session that will be held on December 4, 6:30 p.m.

Brittney Griffin working with our dance students on parade choreography

This week Brittney Griffin, a 2002 graduate of Schenectady High School, who is now a Broadway associate choreographer and creative consultant, worked with our high school dance students in the musical theatre program on their final choreography and rehearsal for the 2024 Schenectady County Holiday Parade which will be held Saturday at 5 p.m. Our dancers will perform in front of Proctors at the start of the parade.

We have several different groups participating in the parade tomorrow night. There is also a full lineup of activities and entertainment - including our dancers - at the 400 block of State St. starting at 3:30 p.m.

Alumni in the News
Congratulations to Amos Prince, a Schenectady High School graduate, now a freshman at RIT, who is one of 40 national scholarship winners, receiving $10,000 from Sallie Mae and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.

Congratulations to Pat Riley (Linton High School, 1962) whose amazing career will be commemorated by the Los Angeles Lakers. They will be recognizing him as one of the greatest coaches of all time with his very own statue.

Coffee Chat
Last night my coffee chat focused on a special discussion about data and the types of information that is important to parents in regard to school performance. We are in the process of seeking services for a data hub and dashboard to meet the needs of our district. Our goal is to provide public-facing metrics to keep parents informed. The intention of the discussion last night was to learn more about what information parents and caregivers want to know.

My next coffee chats will be held December 19 at 6 p.m. and December 20 at 7 a.m. Both will be held at the Family and Community Engagement Center, 530 Liberty St. Everyone is invited.

NYS Leaders of Color

I had the great honor of recently attending the New York State Leaders of Color (NYSLOC) Summit. It was great to see our former superintendent Anibal Soler and Shenendehowa Superintendent Oliver Robinson there. Shanell Brown, assistant principal at Big Picture Schenectady, was also in attendance.

Lincoln International Celebration

I enjoyed Lincoln Elementary School's second annual Multicultural Night. It was a well-attended fun evening. Twenty Smart Transfer students volunteered their time running stations, engaging with families, serving food, doing sign ins, providing academic packets for parents and more. I'd like to give a shout out to everyone at Lincoln who planned and coordinated this festival and fun event. Everyone was having a great time.

Mont Pleasant Thanksgiving Celebration
The 21st Century Program at Mont Pleasant had a delicious and festive Thanksgiving Dinner Tuesday evening. We paused to pose for a group picture.

Yates Girls on the Run

Congratulations to the Yates Girls on the Run team and their coaches. The team met with other GOTR teams from the region at Jennings Landing in Albany last weekend and successfully competed in a 5 K to end the season.

Below is a list of events coming up next week. I will try to get to as many as possible. I hope to see you.

Have a fantastic and restful weekend. I hope to see you at the parade tomorrow night.

Sincerely,

Carlos M. Cotto, Jr.
Superintendent of Schools

No School
Wednesday, November 27, Thursday, November 28, and Friday, November 29
Thanksgiving Holiday
District Offices will be closed Thursday and Friday

November 26
Big Picture Harvest Celebration, 11:30 a.m.
Pre-K Thanksgiving Parade at Paige, 1:30 p.m.
Balloons over Broadway Parade at Fulton, 1:15 p.m.
Yates PBIS Assembly, 8:45 a.m.

December 2
MLK Awards/PBIS Assembly, 8:30 a.m.

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Athletic Events
November 26
Girls Varsity Bowling vs. Ballston Spa High School, Boulevard Bowl, 4:15 p.m.

November 30
Boys Varsity Basketball at Amsterdam, 1 p.m.
Boys JV Basketball at Amsterdam, 1:30 p.m.

December 2
Girls Niskayuna/Schenectady Wrestling vs. Shaker High School at Amsterdam, 5 p.m.

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Community Events

December 2
SUNY Schenectady Piano Recital, SUNY Schenectady Community College, 12 p.m.

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