Good afternoon,

I'm going to start my brief today by drawing attention to the amazing Superintendent's Conference Day that was held last Friday. Thank you to all who helped plan this exciting and engaging day full of opportunity and learning. Thank you to all our district presenters, keynote speakers, and experts who shared their knowledge, expertise and best practices. And, thank you to all of our faculty and staff for embracing this day of learning.

We had an array of keynotes, presentations, and workshops designed specifically for the varied roles and responsibilities within our district. These included sessions on culture and climate, the new assessment and instructional tools, using research best practice to elevate our practice, trauma informed approaches and restorative practices, wellness, data driven instruction, grading practices, curriculum writing, math and literacy instruction, cultivating an inclusive mindset, self-care for stress and anxiety reduction, and more.

I had the pleasure of spending the day with Principal Kafele and our assistant principals and instructional supervisors. We spent time working in small group sessions reviewing our practices and how we can become the instructional leaders our kids and schools need.

We were fortunate to have Principal Kafele come to Schenectady to work with us in small group sessions. He is one of the most sought-after presenters in the country. He is a highly regarded urban educator in New Jersey who distinguished himself as a master teacher and transformational leader.

As a middle school and high school principal, Principal Kafele led the turnaround of four different New Jersey schools including one which went from a low-performing school in need of improvement to national recognition. U.S. News and World Report Magazine recognized it three times as one of America's best high schools. Principal Kafele is the leading authority for providing effective classroom and school leadership strategies toward closing what he coined, the "Attitude Gap."

We also had the pleasure of having Dr. Jennifer Bashant work with our social workers and restorative practice specialists. Dr. Bashant is an international speaker, trainer, author and coach specializing in improving culture and connection through social emotional learning and building resilience. She has taken her personal struggles and the lessons and opportunity for growth to help others in a way that inspires and motivates.

Thank you also to Dr. Oliver Robinson, Superintendent of the Shenendehowa Central School District, who spent time inspiring and motivating our Culture and Safety Team.

Also as part of our Safety Team training, we partnered with Schenectady Fire Department for a life-saving course on how to 'Stop the Bleed.' About 80 members of our safety team, the red shirts, who are considered first responders, learned techniques and what they should do if a person is injured and bleeding profusely including how to apply pressure, stuff a wound with gauze, and apply a tourniquet. The safety team can be outfitted with proper equipment and be able to treat injuries quickly in any situation. The initiative is a national program administered by The American College of Surgeons. Thank you to the Schenectady Fire Department and Jeff Russo, our District Director of Climate and Safety, for bringing this training to our safety team.

We had so many amazing sessions and presenters. I am proud of the thoughtful and carefully planned professional development day that our team provided.

Yesterday, we had the honor of spending the afternoon with SUNY Chancellor John B. King, students from SUNY Schenectady and our own Rondacia McPherson, SUNY Trustee and student who attends both Schenectady High School and SUNY Schenectady. We were excited to have the opportunity to tell Chancellor King about the Schenectady Promise and our partnership with SUNY Schenectady. It was a great visit. He was interested in knowing what we are doing well and how he can support our work to provide access and opportunity for all. We appreciate SUNY Chancellor King's support and hope to have an opportunity to visit with him again soon.

As the winter sports season comes to a close, I would like congratulate and recognize our modified swim team and thank them for bringing their best Patriot Pride to every practice and swim meet. Despite competing against teams with seasoned swimmers who are triple our size, our team hung in there and went from starting the season as non-swimmers to finishing as athletes prepared to compete. According to Coach Jennifer Dixon, her team learned valuable lessons including discipline, etiquette, patience and spirit. She plans to continue to keep the spirit going and grow the program with off-season swim activities. I would like to thank Coach Dixon for her commitment to our students and high pride in their accomplishments. We have to start someplace. It's not always about the winning record or the time on the clock. It's about jumping in the water and giving it a try. It's important to support and recognize our newest athletes. They may be the ones breaking the records a few years down the road. Way to go swimmers! #SchenectadyRising

Thanks to a grant from the Schenectady Education Foundation, the Schenectady High School Library and Media Center just added a tower garden. This garden will yield enough leafy greens for 60 people in the next six weeks. Check back for updates. We can't say "thank you" enough to the Schenectady Education Foundation for the grant funding they provide which enables our teachers do tackle unique activities and adventures.

We are holding a Teacher Recruitment Day on Monday, April 3, from 4-7:30 p.m. in the Fine Arts Lobby at Schenectady High School. We are hiring for all certification areas and our hiring team will be on-site for interviews. Please spread the word. We hope to see you there. #SchenectadyRising

Happy Ramadan. Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, began on Wednesday, March 22 and continues through April 21, ending in the holiday Eid al-Fitr.  Ramadan is a significant month for many Muslim people that involves prayer, fasting, spending time with family & friends & more.  #Ramadan

There will be a Board of Education Budget and Work Session (a presentation from Human Resources), on March 29, 6:30 p.m. in the Schenectady Room at Mont Pleasant Middle School.

Please note that there is a location change for the April 5 Board of Education Meeting. The meeting will be held in the Schenectady Room at Mont Pleasant.

Have a great weekend.

Sincerely,

Anibal Soler, Jr.
Superintendent of Schools

This week's featured alumni is Andrew Cyr, a 2014 graduate of SHS who is currently attending Albany Medical College. He credits the diversity of experiences at Schenectady schools with setting him on the course for his career in the medical field. "My experience included rigorous IB coursework, a variety of sports opportunities, incredible art and music exposure, opportunity to learn a second language, abundant learning resources, and a diverse faculty and student body to learn alongside. Schenectady has so much to offer and take advantage of. My education helped me find my passion in science and medicine, allowed me to pursue creative interests outside of the classroom, and introduced me to a variety of cultures and people from different backgrounds right in my hometown." 

ALUMNI

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Photo credit: Erica Miller - Children enjoy bowling during the 18th annual Howe Elementary physical education bowling party at Boulevard Bowl in #Schenectady

Students at Woodlawn learned all about Pi on Pi Day (March 14) and then celebrated by throwing pies at Principal Perreault. Watch the video on our YouTube Channel. https://youtu.be/PxaDvOA7c-Q

MOBILE APP SUPPORT Click here to watch a short video on how to set your school and language preferences on our mobile app: hhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=saNC9ek2Lqg

PREVIOUS BRIEFS: For the index of Volume 1 and Volume 2 Briefs, click here.