Dear Schenectady Community,

It is with great pleasure that I welcome you the 2022-2023 School Year. You'll notice that my brief is coming to you in a new format. This web-based format supports our commitment and efforts to ensure Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). Both the website and our mobile app allow for translation to dozens of languages and makes it easy for users who are blind, deaf, and those who must navigate by voice, screen readers or other assistive technology.

The first day of the new school year is just around the corner. We look forward to welcoming our students on Wednesday, September 7, just 12 days away. I hope that you are as excited as I am.

If you didn't receive my letter with important information in the mail, it should be arriving soon. In the interim, you can access it online. Please read the information carefully as it outlines slight changes to the school schedule, information on new initiatives, safety updates, important dates including back to school nights and more.

Also in our efforts to ensure that all students have what they need, the district has purchased school supplies for our students. We know some families do like to buy supplies for their children, so we did post "recommended" lists. Purchasing these items is not a requirement. At the end of the last school year, our classroom teachers submitted supply orders for each of their classes. They will be providing students with supplies that they need. We know the last few years have been challenging for everyone, so we wanted to do what we can to help our families out.

If you haven't downloaded our new mobile app, please do it now. We will be using the tools to share information using electronic and push notifications. Below you will find more information on how to download the app and select your language and other preferences.

I am also pleased to share that our 2021-2022 Spotlight will be arriving in your mailboxes soon. Please take the time to flip through the pages that are filled with photos and brief stories about our year. This issue is special to me since last year was my first year serving as superintendent. I am proud of all that we accomplished and the direction in which we are moving. #schenectadyrising

I am happy to extend a huge congratulations to the 47 students who joined the graduation Class of 2022 on August 25. This was an exciting morning for these students who spent their summer working to fulfill requirements to earn their diploma. There are many different reasons why students need a little extra time to get to this day. Regardless, it takes dedication and perseverance. I am extremely proud of them. I also want to say "thank you" to their parents and caregivers and the Schenectady High School faculty and staff who provided motivation and support. You make a difference. I am also proud to share that with our summer graduates, the Schenectady High School graduation rate has improved to over 80%. We have work to do, but we are moving in the right direction.

Next week we will be welcoming 130 teachers at a breakfast on Monday followed by two days of orientation. We have an exciting program planned. l look forward to meeting and getting to know everyone new to our district team.

I will soon be sharing more about our Community Schools initiative. As I shared at the end of last school year, we brought many community agencies and organizations together to discuss how we can work together to support our students and families. Our community has stepped up and in the fall we will be launching our first community schools which are hubs that provide easy access to resources and support. I will be sharing more about this soon.

I hope you enjoy the remainder of your summer. I look forward to seeing you soon.

Anibal Soler, Jr.
Superintendent of Schools

We were honored to have principal and author Baruti K. Kafele as a guest presenter at the 2022 Administrative PD earlier this week.

The first day of school is Wednesday,
September 7.

School Times
Elementary School
Pre-K - Grade 5
7:45 a.m. - 2:10 p.m.

Middle School
Grades 6-8
8:30 a.m. - 3:35 p.m.

High School
Grades 9-12
8:25 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Phone Numbers

Transportation
518-370-8103

Food Services
518-370-8100. Ext. 36481

Student Registration
518-881-3771

Student Services
518-881-3412

LET'S TALK

You can reach us through Let's Talk by clicking here or texting 518-900-7318

Earlier this week, district administrators came together at Liberty Church for two full days professional development in preparation of the 2022-2023 school year. We had amazing sessions and engaged in collaborative and productive work to help ensure that our school year gets off to a great start and 2022-2023 s the best school year yet.