2017 2018 everybody learns - home - schenectady city...

Everybody counts

Everybody learns

2017

2018

SCHENECTADY CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT www.schenectady.k12.ny.us

At Schenectady, our goal is to develop students who are college and career ready in reading, writing, speaking, listening, and language. There is no doubt that families play a vital role in helping us achieve this goal. Thank you for being a partner in building these critical skills, which will benefit our students — your children — throughout their lives. In this calendar, you’ll see several tips geared toward instilling a love for reading in your child. Not all of the tips will work for every child, and that’s ok. What matters most is having fun while making reading a regular part of your routine.

Literacy Lays the Foundation for SuccessLiteracy is important from day one. It is essential to developing a strong sense of well-being and citizenship, and for interpreting the intricacies of the world around us. Children who have developed strong reading skills perform better in school and have a healthier self-image. They become lifelong learners and sought-after employees.

As students advance through the grades and master the standards in reading, writing, speaking, listening, and language, they are able to demonstrate independence, build on their knowledge, adapt to different demands and tasks, comprehend and critique information, value evidence, use technology capably, and appreciate differing perspectives.

Literacy and the Digital AgeToday we inhabit a digital age in which written texts are more widely available than ever before. The internet enables endless educational possibilities, but because of the vastness and ever-evolving nature of the internet, literacy is crucial to effectively sift through and interpret the material. Strong literacy skills are essential when children discern and interpret information, enabling them to utilize the internet and digital media to their full potential.

Literacy Doesn’t End With the School DayJust like any other skill, practice makes perfect. Studies have shown that students who read more have a larger vocabulary, show better fluency, and comprehend information more easily. Children’s motivation and achievement improve when their parents are involved in their education. Reading with your child, or encouraging them to read on their own for 20 minutes per day adds up to more than 120 hours of extra reading each school year.

Reading Matters

CHILDREN WITH STRONG READING SKILLS PERFORM BETTER IN SCHOOL, AND HAVE A HEALTHIER SELF-IMAGE. 20 MINUTES OF INDEPENDENT

READING EVERY NIGHT LEADS TO STANDARDIZED TEST SCORES IN THE 90TH PERCENTILE.


Registering your child for schoolRegistration for school must take place in person by the parent or guardian at the Central Registration Office located in the District Central Offices at Mont Pleasant Middle School.

Office HoursMonday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

To register your child, you will need the student’s birth certificate, immunization record, a current physical done within the past year (for kindergartners only), proof of residency and picture ID for the parent/guardian.

Acceptable forms for proof of residency include a current utility or phone bill, cable television bill, rental agreement, auto insurance policy, current NYS driver’s license or a payroll check. (Proof must be dated within 30 days of registration.) Please contact the registration office at 370-8101 ext. 28116 if you are having trouble obtaining acceptable forms of proof.

Health HistoryAll new students must have a physical exam completed within 10 days of entering school. Please contact the school nurse if the exam will be done by your family doctor. A health history form must be completed by the parent or guardian of the child and returned to the school nurse. Please notify the school nurse of any special needs your child might have, such as allergies, medication, or physical limitations.

Required Vaccinations for StudentsPlease obtain a complete, signed written or electronic record of administered immunizations from your child’s health care provider. As of September 1, 2017, Public Health Law 2164 requires that the following immunizations be received prior to a child being allowed to enter school:

• Polio (IPV/OPV)• DTap, DPT, or Tdap (Diptheria,

Tetanus and Pertussis)• MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)• Hepatitis B• Varicella (chickenpox)• Meningitis• Meningococcal conjugate

vaccine (for grades 7 and up)• (Hib)9 and (PCV)10 (for pre-K)

Food ServicesAt the Schenectady City School District, we believe that one of the most important ways we can help our children perform better in class is to provide them with the nutrition necessary for the healthy growth of minds and bodies. To accomplish that, we offer breakfast and lunch in our schools each day.

ALL SCSD students will receive free breakfast and lunch every day.The Schenectady City School District participates in the Community Eligibility Option (CEO) program. There are no minimum income requirements.

School Closings and DelaysSchool delays or closings will be broadcast by or listed on the websites of the following:

WGY (810-AM)WTRY (98.3-FM)WFLY (92.3-FM)WROW (590-AM)WPYX (106.5-FM)WGNA (107.7-FM)

WRGB (TV 6)WTEN (TV 10)WNYT (TV 13)WXXA (TV 23)Time Warner Cable News

SCSD website: www.schenectady.k12.ny.us

If school is closed …All classes and activities — day and evening — are canceled.

One-Hour Delay• The school day will begin one hour later

than normal.• Students who are transported will be

picked up at bus stop locations one hour later than normal.

Two-Hour Delay• The school day will begin two hours

later than normal.• Students who are transported will be

picked up at bus stop locations two hours later than normal.

Sign up for text message alertsVisit the district website at www.schenectady.k12.ny.us to sign up to receive text message alerts about transportation delays and school closings.

School HoursElementary SchoolsBreakfast: 7:30 a.m.

Classes: 8 a.m. - 2:15 p.m.

Half Day: 8 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Middle SchoolsBreakfast: 8 a.m.

Classes: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

High School and Steinmetz Career and Leadership AcademyBreakfast: 8 a.m.

Classes: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Infinite CampusInfinite Campus is the student information system of the Schenectady City School District. Parents who register to use it have access to their child’s schedule, attendance, grades, behavior, health, state and district assessment, and other information. You will also have the ability to view and print your child’s report card.

For more on how to sign up, visit www.schenectady.k12.ny.us and click on the link for Campus Parent Portal under the “parents” tab.

“This book has it all — humor, sci-fi, myths. I recommend the Percy Jackson series to people, tell them what it’s about, and let them borrow my books. I see myself in a lot of the characters.

To a younger student, I would say that reading helped me through high school and now I’m graduating — on to bigger and better things.”

MALAKHAI MCCOMMON, CLASS OF 2017

“Percy Jackson and the Olympians” by Rick RiordanChildren’s motivation and achievement improve when their parents

are involved in their education. Encourage your child to read and view a variety of texts, such as newspapers, novels, comics, magazines, and websites.

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday SaturdayNote: Events listed here are accurate as of July 2017. Please check with the school or visit the district website for the latest information about an event.


SEPTEMBER2017

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24 25 26 27 28 29 30

AUGUST 2017 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

OCTOBER 2017 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

NO SCHOOLLabor Day

NO SCHOOLStaff Development

The path to graduation starts with good attendance. How many days was your child absent this month?

____ out of 17

Eid al-Adha(BEGINS AT SUNDOWN)

MLK Picture Day

Board of Education Meeting, MPMS Schenectady Room, 7 pm

Rosh Hashanah(BEGINS AT SUNDOWN)

Hamilton Reading Open House

Yates Recognition Assembly

Yom Kippur(BEGINS AT SUNDOWN)

SHS Homecoming Football Game vs. Columbia, 7 pm

SHS Homecoming Dance, 9 pm

Fall Begins

Yates Bullying Prevention Day

20th Annual SCSD Athletic Hall of Fame and Reunion, Reception, 4:30 pm; Dinner, 6:15 pm

MLK Ice Cream Social

Van Corlaer Book Night

Hamilton Welcome Kindergarten Parents, 8-9 am

Zoller PTO Ice Cream Social

Back to School Night - Elementary Schools

SHS Auditions for BRTC’s A Wrinkle in Time, 3:30 pm

Oneida Student Social

Zoller PTO Meeting, 6 pm


Keane Pops on the Playground

Navratri(ENDS 9/29)

Classes Begin

Lincoln PTO Meeting, 3 pm

Howe PTO Meeting, 6 pm

Hamilton Bring Dad to School Day

Oneida PTSO Meeting

Back to School Night - Middle Schools

MLK Fall Fundraiser, through 10/5

Paige PTO Meeting and Bingo for Books, 6 pm

SHS National Honor Society Induction Ceremony, 6 pm

SHS Red Cross Blood Drive

SHS College Fair, 9:30-11 am

Central Park Back to School Dance and Rec Night Workshop for Parents, 6-8 pm

Keane PTO Meeting, 5 pm

Back to School Night - Schenectady High School

Reading aloud to children at an early age is the most effective way to help them expand their vocabulary and recognize written words. Reading also stimulates a child’s imagination and expands his or her understanding of the world.

“Being an educator and reading about Harry Potter and his friends growing up in Hogwarts, it was as if he was one of my own students. I like being able to engage in the characters as they develop. A lot of times, as you read a book, you become part of their lives. At the end of a book, you can feel that emotion because you’re so strongly connected.

Anytime you pick up a book, you are investing in yourself and your future. It gives you the opportunity to continue to learn and an opportunity to laugh. You can become immersed in wherever the book takes you.”

DIANE WILKINSON, SHS PRINCIPAL

“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” by J. K. Rowling



OCTOBER2017

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15 16 17 18 19 20 21

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

29 30 31 SEPTEMBER 2017 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

NOVEMBER 2017 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

NO SCHOOLColumbus Day


____ out of 21


Zoller PTO Walk to School Day

Sukkot(BEGINS AT SUNDOWN)

Van Corlaer Sugar Rush, 9 am

Winter Sports Packets Due

Halloween

Van Corlaer Music Assembly - Jared Campbell

Diwali

Yates Safety Night, 3:30-4:30 pmPaige Picture Day

Yates Picture Day

SHS FAFSA Event, 1-4 pm


Lincoln Parent Information Night, 5:30-7 pm

Yates Unity Day Celebration

Hamilton Parents Prepare for Holiday Event, 5-6 pm

Keane Halloween Safety Night

Yates Character Day and Fall Fling

Hamilton Coffee on the Playground w/Parents, 7:30 am


Central Park Book Fair, through 11/3

Central Park Festival and Color Course, 6-8 pm



Keane PTO Meeting, 2:30 pm

Board of Education Meeting, SHS Cafeteria, 7 pm

Zoller Literacy Night

Lincoln Picture Day

Van Corlaer PPT/PTO Meeting, 2:20 pm

MLK Fall Dance, Grades Pre-K-2

Van Corlaer Picture Day

MLK Fall Dance, Grades 3-5

SCLA Meet Your Teacher Dinner, 6 pm


MLK Fall Book Fair, through 10/13

Pleasant Valley PTO Meeting, 2:30 pm



MLK Silver Graphics Fundraiser, through 11/3

Oneida Halloween Dance

Paige Halloween Party

Cross Country Grout Invitational, Central Park, 9 am-2 pm

SHS - PSAT, 8:30-11:45 am

Oneida PTSO Meeting

SHS Financial Aid Information Night, 6 pm

SHS - ACT Testing

1st Quarter Interim Progress Reports (Secondary) Mailed Home

“I like reading because it can be very peaceful. You can find so many books that are humorous, educational, historic fiction, non-fiction. They teach good lessons. Sometimes I read to my little cousins. They’re always on their phones, so I like to distract them for a while and make them laugh.

‘Stick Dog’ is funny and it has cool twists. The author, Tom Watson, doesn’t really know how to draw so he just does stick figures. In this one, a family is having a barbecue and Stick Dog and his friends distract the family with a puppet show so they can eat their burgers.”

PRIYA BHAGOLIE, GRADE 5

“Stick Dog” by Tom Watson

Read for different purposes. Reading a recipe for your favorite holiday dish or directions for assembling a toy can be a fun way of incorporating reading practice into everyday activities.



NOVEMBER2017

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26 27 28 29 30

OCTOBER 2017 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

DECEMBER 2017 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

NO SCHOOLThanksgiving

Veterans DayDaylight Saving Time Ends


____ out of 18


Election Day

Howe Movie Night, 6 pm

Yates Military Appreciation Day

Yates Pajama Day

Evening Parent/Teacher Conferences


Central Park Dance and Rec Night Workshop for Parents, 6-8 pm

SHS Winter Concert, 6 pm

SCSD Girls Day Out

SHS FASFA Event, 1-4 pm

SHS Veterans’ Dinner, 6-8:30 pm


Zoller Math Night

1/2 DAYFOR PRE-K TO GRADE 6 STUDENTS(PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES)



NO SCHOOL(VETERANS DAY OBSERVED)

NO SCHOOL



SCLA Industry Advisory Board Meeting, 6 pm

Paige PTO Meeting, 6:30 pm

6th Annual Boys Day Out


MLK Movie Night, Grades Pre-K-2


Winter Athletics Season Begins

BRTC presents A Wrinkle in Time, 7 pm, Black Box Theatre

BRTC’s A Wrinkle in Time Matinee Performance, 2 pm, Black Box Theatre

Oneida Movie Night

1st Quarter Report Cards Sent Home

Oneida PTSO Meeting

“I didn’t grow up as an avid reader. My grammar is bad. Even in graduate school, I was making embarrassing mistakes. But I share that with the kids. At one point, I ruptured my achilles and couldn’t move around too much. I got a Kindle and read ‘The Hunger Games’ series. My students recommended it and I loved it. Now I read for fun a lot more, and my grammar has improved because of it.

I tell kids to pick up a book and at least read the first chapter. If it doesn’t interest you, find another. Eventually you’re gonna find something that hooks you.”

DENNIS GREEN, WIEC ASST. DIRECTOR BOYS DAY OUT CHAIRMAN, PROJECT LIT COLLABORATOR

Reading “Ready Player One” by Ernest Cline

As your child’s love of reading grows, they may have a favorite author or illustrator. Help them go through the process of finding the author’s contact information and writing them a fan letter or email. This is a great way to turn reading, writing, and research into a fun project.



DECEMBER2017

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24 25 26 27 28 29 30

31


JANUARY 2018 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

NO SCHOOLChristmas


____ out of 16

Keane Crafts and Cocoa


Hanukkah(BEGINS AT SUNDOWN; ENDS 12/20)

NO SCHOOLKwanzaa

New Year’s Eve

Zoller PTO Movie Night

2nd Quarter Interim Progress Reports (Secondary) Mailed Home

Winter Begins

Yates College Gear Day

Paige Literacy Night

Yates Sing-Along/Recognition Assembly

Emergency Early Release Day

MLK Kids Korner Gift Shop, through 12/15

Zoller Book Fair, through 12/15

NO SCHOOLNO SCHOOLNO SCHOOL

Holiday Recess







Paige Book Fair, through 12/8

Pleasant Valley PTO Meeting, 2:30 pmSHS - ACT Testing

SHS Auditions for BRTC’s The Addams Family Musical, 3:30 pm

Oneida PTSO Meeting

SHS Red Cross Blood Drive

SHS Winter Showcase, 7 pm

Oneida Dress Your Best Dance

Central Park Chess Tournament, 9:30 am-4:30 pm

“The thing I like about reading is that sometimes a book can be so detailed and so good that it makes you fall into the story. It makes you feel like you’re there. It’s awesome.

This book is about a boy named Gregor who fell into the underland looking for his father. Now he’s part of a prophecy to save his dad. I like how the story is laid out. The author is very descriptive.”

OSCAR COLON, GRADE 6

“Gregor the Overlander” by Suzanne Collins

Word recognition and vocabulary are important parts of reading. Get some paper and tape and start labeling things in your child’s room. The reminders will build their word banks.

4XSTUDENTS WHO ARE READING AT GRADE-LEVEL BY THE END OF THIRD GRADE ARE FOUR TIMES MORE LIKELY TO GRADUATE ON TIME.



JANUARY2018

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21 22 23 24 25 26 27

28 29 30 31 DECEMBER 2017 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

FEBRUARY 2018 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

NO SCHOOLNew Year’s Day

NO SCHOOLMartin Luther King Jr. Day


____ out of 20






Regents Testing


Keane Multi-Cultural Event

MLK Movie Night, Grades 3-5

MLK Movie Night, Grades Pre-K-2




Van Corlaer Winter Carnival, 5:30-6:30 pm




Paige Family Game Night

Oneida Bingo Night

Schenectady Educational Foundation Gala, 6 pm

Oneida PTSO Meeting

Central Park Family Night Parent Workshop, 6-8 pm

During winter recess, keep your reader engaged by snapping photos of their daily activities and having them write descriptions of what they were doing.

“I like the characters in books and being taken to other worlds. I tend to read fantasy, so I like being immersed in a different reality. I think I’m more articulate since becoming an avid reader. I’m also more empathetic, because reading provides other perspectives.

This book is the sixth in the series. I like that it’s long. Otherwise I’ll fly through it in a day.”

FAITH WILLIAMS, CLASS OF 2018

“City of Heavenly Fire” by Cassandra Clare



FEBRUARY2018

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4 5 6 7 8 9 10

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

25 26 27 28

JANUARY 2018 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

MARCH 2018 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

NO SCHOOLPresidents’ Day


____ out of 15


Oneida Valentine’s Dance

Ash WednesdayValentine’s Day




Purim(BEGINS IN EVENING; ENDS 3/1)

2nd Quarter Report Cards Sent Home

Groundhog Day

MLK Flower Sale, through 2/14

Keane Valentine’s Math Night


Shivaratri


Winter Recess

NO SCHOOL

Lincoln Literacy Night, 5:30-7 pm



Hamilton Family Dance, 5-6:30 pm

Paige Family Game Night

Hamilton Reading Open House

Oneida PTSO Meeting

MLK Spring Fundraiser, through 3/9



Central Park Valentine’s Dance and Rec Night Parent Workshop, 6-8 pm

Spring Sports Packets Due

Mont Pleasant - Boys Day Out presents Celebrate Our Sons, 5:30 pm

“Reading is fun because it gives you a feeling of what can happen to you in real life someday. You don’t know what will happen next. Plus, once you start reading, you can keep going at a fast pace.

This book has some mystery in it and I love mystery.”

MAURICE WORLEY, GRADE 6

“My Life as a Book” by Janet Tashjian

Talk to your children about their favorite movies, TV shows, or video games. Find books that expand on those universes and characters that already have them captivated.



MARCH2018

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4 5 6 7 8 9 10

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

25 26 27 28 29 30 31


APRIL 2018 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Daylight Saving Time Begins


____ out of 21

Palm Sunday

NO SCHOOLGood FridayPassover(BEGINS AT SUNDOWN; ENDS 4/7)

Spring Recess Begins

St. Patrick’s Day

Oneida PTSO Meeting

Spring Begins



Holi(BEGINS IN THE EVENING)

Hanuman Jayanti

Yates Read Across America Day

Howe School Dance, 6 pm



Zoller PTO Cook-Off

3rd Quarter Interim Progress Reports (Secondary) Mailed Home


Keane Dr. Seuss Literacy Night


Board of Education Budget Meeting, MPMS Cafeteria, 7 pm

Lincoln Math Night, 5:30-7 pm


Board of Education Budget Meeting, MPMS Schenectady Room, 7 pm

Van Corlaer Family Fun Night, 5:30-6:30 pm

Paige International Day

Woodlawn Career Day

SHS Auditions for BRTC’s Two One Acts, 3:30 pm


Spring Athletics Season Begins

BRTC presents The Addams Family Musical, 7 pm, Black Box Theatre

BRTC’s The Addams Family Musical Matinee Performance, 2 pm, Black Box Theatre

SHS Spring Concert, 6 pm


“Learning by doing matters so much, but there are a million things that you can’t learn by doing. So reading is half the equation when it comes to gaining knowledge. The things you learn by doing are tangible. But the things you learn by reading are sort of invisible. It’s left to your imagination. Read anything and everything that you can get your hands on.”

PHILIP MORRIS, CEO OF PROCTORS

Reading “True and False” by David Mamet To encourage critical reading, ask your children questions

about the text before, during, and after they read. Encourage them to predict what will happen. Try to relate something from the story to something relevant to real life.



APRIL2018

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8 9 10 11 12 13 14

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

29 30 MARCH 2018 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

MAY 2018 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31


____ out of 16

Earth Day

Easter




Board of Education Budget Meeting, MPMS Schenectady Room, 7 pm

Zoller Special Area Night


Spring Recess

NO SCHOOLNO SCHOOL

Keane STEM Night

MLK Spring Dance, Grades 3-5






MLK Spring Dance, Grades Pre-K-2

Central Park Spring Fling Dance and Rec Night Parent Workshop, 6-8 pm

SCLA Showcase - International Night, 6 pm

MLK Silver Graphics Fundraiser, through 5/4

3rd Quarter Report Cards Sent Home

Pleasant Valley PTO Meeting, 2:30 pm SHS - ACT Testing


Oneida PTSO Meeting

“‘Despereaux’ is about a little mouse who’s breaking the rules. We’re reading this in our book club. We talk about the book and discuss how we feel about it. We all have different thoughts and we all have different things to say. The central message is that love makes you do crazy things.”

NICOLE FERNANDEZ, GRADE 5

“The Tale of Despereaux” by Kate DiCamillo

Model reading at home. Let your child see you read often. It can be anything, from cookbooks, magazines, the newspaper, novels or non-fiction. Also, talk about what you’ve read. This is a great thing to do at dinner time. Share the excitement or intrigue you’ve experienced.



MAY2018

1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18 19

20 21 22 23 24 25 26

27 28 29 30 31

APRIL 2018 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

JUNE 2018 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Annual School District Budget Vote, Noon-9 pmRamadan(BEGINS AT SUNDOWN; ENDS 6/14)

NO SCHOOLMemorial Day


____ out of 22

Shavout(BEGINS AT SUNDOWN; ENDS 5/21)

Mother’s Day


SCLA Awards Night, 6 pm

SHS Pops Concert, 6 pm


Board of Education Meeting/Budget Hearing, MPMS Schenectady Room, 7 pm

Yates All Children Exercise Day


Lincoln Family BBQ/Diversity Celebration, 5:30-7 pm

Zoller Science Fair

CONTINGENCY DAY(THIS WILL BE AN ADDITIONAL RECESS DAY IF THE DISTRICT DOES NOT USE THREE SNOW DAYS.)





Van Corlaer STEM Night, 5:30-6:30 pm

Central Park Cultural Fusion Night, 6-8 pm


Hamilton Parents Clean-Up BBQ, 2:15-4 pm

SHS Girls Circle Celebration, 5:30 pm

MLK Spring Book Fair, through 5/25

SHS Project Dance, 7 pm

MLK Mother’s Day Flower Sale

Central Park Book Fair, through 5/11


Teacher Appreciation Week

SHS Moonlight Serenade, 5-7 pm

National School Nurse Day

SHS - IB Testing, through 5/25

SHS Underclassman Awards Ceremony, 6 pm

4th Quarter Interim Progress Reports (Secondary) Mailed Home

Children who are given access to books over the summer perform 40 percent better on reading achievement tests than those who do not have access. Check your library’s calendar for special summer reading activities and events. Libraries also provide age-appropriate lists for summer reading.

During the 2016-17 school year, more than 900 SCSD students read “All-American Boys”, a novel about a brutal police beating and the ensuing fallout. More than 50 book clubs were formed, where students got a chance to discuss the contentious themes with one another.

“We read parts of the book out loud and it was interesting to hear what other people think. The way the authors wrote it, it’s kind of a cliffhanger, so you interpret the ending. We all had different perspectives on what happened to the characters.”

PARMESH THAKOORDIAL, GRADE 7

“All-American Boys” by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely



JUNE2018

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17 18 19 20 21 22 23

24 25 26 27 28 29 30

MAY 2018 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

JULY 2018 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31


____ out of 15

Central Park Talent Show

Eid al-Fitr(BEGINS AT SUNDOWN)

Keane End-of-Year BBQ

Zoller Honor Roll Celebration

Flag Day

Father’s Day

SCLA Senior Celebration, 4pm

4th Qtr. Report Cards Sent HomeYates End of the Year Assembly

Zoller Pre-K and K Graduation

Zoller B.U.G. Party



Zoller 5th Grade Moving-Up CeremonyHigh School Graduation at Proctors, 9 am


1/2 DAYFOR ELEMENTARY/ MIDDLE STUDENTS

1/2 DAYFOR ELEMENTARY/ MIDDLE STUDENTS

Regents Testing

Regents Testing, through 6/21




MLK Field Day

Paige End-of-Year BBQ and Bike Rodeo

Pleasant Valley PTO Meeting, 2:30 pm SHS Prom Night SHS - ACT Testing

Oneida PTSO Meeting

Summer Begins

“Summer slide” happens when young learners don’t read or have access to books over summer break. This can lead to a regression in reading performance that can accumulate to a student being nearly 2.5 years behind when they reach middle school. Set up a fun summer reading challenge to encourage your child.

“Reading allows you to travel without leaving the room. It offers you different perspectives and experiences from all over the world.

In my house, we say ‘If you don’t read, you don’t lead.’ You have to take advantage of that knowledge and information that’s right at your fingertips in order to be a leader.

When you read with a child, they will often see themselves in the book’s characters. So you can learn a lot about their perspectives and how they see the world.”

DAMONNI FARLEY, SCSD COMMUNITY OUTREACH SPECIALIST

Reading “Start Where You Are, But Don’t Stay There” by H. Richard Milner



JULY2018

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8 9 10 11 12 13 14

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

29 30 31 JUNE 2018 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

AUGUST 2018 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Independence Day

Board of Education Reorganizational and Business Meeting, MPMS Schenectady Room, 7 pm

Read with expression. Children love to hear a good story read with feeling and enthusiasm by someone they love. You can also “dramatize” a story, essentially turning it into a play, with each reading different parts or characters.

“‘Eat, Pray, Love’ — all the things I do daily! When the main character in a book is a journalist — who is later played by your favorite actress in the movie — it’s easy to keep reading.

Everybody has a story to tell. Through work, I’m lucky enough to get to share those stories. Books give me another opportunity to learn about someone else, travel to a place I’ve never been, and get lost in a new adventure. The trick for me is finding a book that I can relate back to my own personal experiences.

Just remember, no one can stop you from learning.”

MELISSA LEE, WRGB ANCHOR, SCHENECTADY RESIDENT

“Eat, Pray, Love” by Elizabeth Gilbert



AUGUST2018

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JULY 2018 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

SEPTEMBER 2018 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Eid al-Adha(BEGINS AT SUNDOWN)

Rakhi


Central Administration Officesat Mont Pleasant Middle School 108 Education Drive Schenectady, NY 12303Main Phone: 370-8100Laurence T. Spring, Superintendent [email protected] Paser, Assistant to the Superintendent [email protected]’s Office 40105 or 40107Communications Office 40137

Business and FinanceKimberly Lewis, District Director [email protected] of Business and Finance 40128Payroll Department 40113Tax Office 881-3988Purchasing 40115

Planning and AccountabilityAaron Bochniak, District Director [email protected]. of Planning and Accountability 881-3405Federal & State Programs 881-3405Central Registration 370-8101Testing & Accountability 881-3404Transportation 370-8103Technology Services 40141Data Processing 40123Quality Assurance 881-3400 ext. 26037Medicaid Compliance 881-2020

Pupil Personnel ServicesAndrea Tote, District Director [email protected] Education 881-3412Student Services 881-3412

Curriculum and InstructionTonda Dunbar, District Director [email protected] of Curriculum and Instruction 40116Coordinators’ Offices: 881-3403 Math/Science Social Studies/Family & Consumer Science/

Foreign Language/ESL English Language Arts/Library Fine Arts/Arts in Education Elementary Technology/Instructional Technology

Central ServicesFacilities 40101Breakfast/Lunch Program 40111Central Receiving 881-3089

Human ResourcesChristina Mahoney, District Director [email protected] Resources 40133Employee Benefits 40103

Board of Education MeetingsCity residents, school staff, students and others are welcome to attend Board of Education meetings, which are generally held on the first and third Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. Meetings will alternate between two locations: the Mont Pleasant Middle School cafeteria and the Schenectady High School cafeteria. Meeting dates, times and locations are noted in this calendar and can also be found on the district website.

A series of March meetings will be held to address the district’s 2018-19 budget.

Public CommentsResidents and district personnel can address the board at regular board meetings. A written statement may be mailed to the Clerk of the Board or left at the meeting following presentations. All statements will be made part of the meeting’s public minutes.

Contacting the BoardCorrespondence can be sent to Clerk of the Board, Schenectady City School District, 108 Education Drive, Schenectady, NY 12303.

Board VisionThe Schenectady City School District will be a continually improving school district dedicated to excellence in teaching and learning, equity, engagement and efficiency.

John Foley, President

Mark Snyder, Vice President

Dharam Hitlall

Cathy Lewis

Ann Reilly

Bernice Rivera

Katherine Stephens

2017-2018 Board of Education


Directory of SchoolsSchenectady High School1445 The Plaza - 12308shs.schenectady.k12.ny.usPrincipal Diane Wilkinson 881-2044 [email protected] PrincipalsChristopher Chank (’19) 881-2044 x 44834 [email protected] Goyette (’18) 881-2044 x 44830 [email protected] Parisi (’21) 881-2044 x 44838 [email protected] Preston (’20) 881-2044 x 44842 [email protected] Office 881-2044 x 44801Nurse’s Office 881-2044 x 44850

Steinmetz Career & Leadership Academy (SCLA)880 Oakwood Ave. - 12303scla.schenectady.k12.ny.usPrincipalDiane Wilkinson 881-2030House PrincipalGregory Fields 881-2030 x 30100 [email protected] PrincipalJoanne Wolcott 881-2030 x 30120 [email protected] Department 881-2030 x 30109Attendance Office 881-2030 x 30104Nurse’s Office 881-2030 x 30103

Central Park Middle School421 Elm St. - 12304cpms.schenectady.k12.ny.usPrincipal Tamara Thorpe-Odom 370-8250 [email protected] Assistant PrincipalLouise Gundrum 370-8250 [email protected] PrincipalRodger DeHay 370-8250 [email protected] Department 370-8251Nurse’s Office 370-8252Attendance Office 370-8253

Mont Pleasant Middle School1121 Forest Rd. - 12303mpms.schenectady.k12.ny.usPrincipalJeff Bennett 370-8160 [email protected] PrincipalNicholas Bottino 370-8245 [email protected] PrincipalJessie Richards 370-8160 x 36467 [email protected] Office 370-8379Nurse’s Office 370-8182Attendance Office 370-8198

Oneida Middle School1629 Oneida Street - 12308oms.schenectady.k12.ny.usPrincipalTony Farina 370-8260 [email protected] PrincipalMatt DeLorenzo 370-8260 [email protected]

Hamilton Elementary School1091 Webster St. - 12303hamilton.schenectady.k12.ny.usPrincipalMichelle VanDerLinden 881-3720 [email protected] SupervisorTroy Lichten 881-3720 [email protected]

Nurse’s Office 881-3723

Howe Elementary School1085 Baker Ave. - 12308 howe.schenectady.k12.ny.usPrincipalSue Gorman 370-8295 [email protected]’s Office 881-3548

William C. Keane Elementary School1252 Albany St. - 12304keane.schenectady.k12.ny.usPrincipalJohn Sardos 881-3960 [email protected]’s Office 881-3964

Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School918 Stanley St. - 12307king.schenectady.k12.ny.usPrincipalNicola (Nicki) G. DiLeva 370-8360 [email protected] SupervisorDavid Rossi 370-8360 [email protected]’s Office 370-8364

Lincoln Elementary School2 Robinson St. - 12304lincoln.schenectady.k12.ny.usPrincipalLaura Buzas 370-8355Family Empowerment Facilitator 881-3715Nurse’s Office 370-8357

Paige Elementary School104 Elliot Ave. - 12304paige.schenectady.k12.ny.usPrincipalDeborah MacDerment 370-8300 [email protected]’s Office 370-8302

Pleasant Valley Elementary School1097 Forest Rd. - 12303pv.schenectady.k12.ny.usPrincipalSean Inglee 881-3640 [email protected] SupervisorKristen Sikora 881-2000 x 38063 [email protected]’s Office 881-2000 x 38003

Van Corlaer Elementary School2300 Guilderland Ave. - 12306vc.schenectady.k12.ny.usPrincipalMariann Bellai 370-8270 [email protected] SupervisorChristine Howard 370-8270 [email protected]’s Office 370-8154

Woodlawn Elementary School3311 Wells Ave. - 12304woodlawn.schenectady.k12.ny.usPrincipalJohn Perreault 370-8280 [email protected] SupervisorMatthew Berkshire 370-8281 [email protected]’s Office 370-8282

Yates Elementary School725 Salina St. - 12308yates.schenectady.k12.ny.usPrincipalRobert Flanders 370-8320 [email protected] SupervisorSamantha Eichele 370-8320 [email protected]’s Office 370-8322

Zoller Elementary School1880 Lancaster St. - 12308zoller.schenectady.k12.ny.usPrincipalPatricia Doyle 370-8290 [email protected] SupervisorDesmond O’Connor 370-8293 [email protected]’s Office 370-8292

Washington Irving Educational Center422 Mumford St. - 12307wiec.schenectady.k12.ny.usAdult & Continuing Education DirectorJesse Roylance 370-8220 [email protected] Department 370-8230


Child Find NoticeParents — if you have concerns about your child’s physical, social, or academic progress, please contact your school principal to make a referral to the Committee on Special Education. If your child does not attend a district school, please contact the Director of Pupil Personnel Services at 881-3412.

Notification for Services at Private SchoolsJune 1 is the deadline for notifying the Schenectady City School District if you want special education services at a private school located within the district. Please contact the Quality Assurance Manager at 881-3400 ext. 26037 to request those services.

Family Education Rights and Privacy Provisions (FERPA)Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), parents and students 18 or older may inspect official records relating to them — including progress reports, grades, aptitude and achievement test scores, psychological tests and teacher evaluations.

A record may be challenged by parents or students who are 18 or older if they believe it is inaccurate or misleading. The district will not disclose information from students’ records without prior written request of a parent or eligible student, except as permitted by law. A record of requests for information disclosures is maintained and may be viewed by those eligible. Contact Student Services at 881-3412 for more information.

Special Education ReferralsIf you have a preschool child and you have noticed that your child is not developing skills such as walking, talking or playing like other school children, you may want to talk to your family doctor. If the doctor is concerned, or you remain concerned with your child’s progress, you may make a referral to the school district’s Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE). To make this referral, call the Office of Pupil Personnel Services at 881-3413 and ask to speak with the Chairperson of the CPSE or her secretary. They will help you through the process.

If your school-age child is having difficulties in school, first talk to his or her teacher. Our schools offer supports for students within regular education who are experiencing difficulties. This is done through the School Based Support Team (SBST) in your child’s building. You can contact the chairperson of this team by calling your child’s school and asking to speak to the school psychologist. You can also discuss your concerns with your child’s teacher and ask them to help you request assistance.

If you are concerned that your child’s teacher and School Based Support Team have not adequately been able to help, your child may have a disability which affects his or her learning. To find out, you can make a referral to the Committee on Special Education. You can do this by talking with the SBST or directly contacting the Office of Pupil Personnel Services at 881-3413.

When are health exams of public school students required by law?Education Law Article 19 and Regulations of the Commissioner of Education (8 NYCRR) require physical examinations of public school students:

• Entering the school district for the first time, and in grades pre-K or kindergarten, 2, 4, 7 and 10; and at any grade level by school administration, at their discretion, to promote the educational interests of the student;

• In order to participate in strenuous physical activity, such as interscholastic athletics;

• In order to obtain an employment certificate; or

• When conducting an individual evaluation or re-evaluation of a student suspected of having a disability or a student with a disability.

Get Involved With Your School’s Parent GroupCentral Park Middle School370-8250, [email protected]

Hamilton Elementary School881-3720, [email protected]

W.C. Keane Elementary School881-3960M.L. King Elementary School370-8360, [email protected]

Lincoln Elementary School370-8355, [email protected]

Mont Pleasant Middle School370-8160, [email protected]

Oneida Middle School370-8260

Paige Elementary School370-8300, [email protected]

Pleasant Valley Elementary School881-3640, [email protected]

Schenectady High School881-2044, [email protected]

Van Corlaer Elementary School370-8270, [email protected]

Woodlawn Elementary School370-8280, [email protected]

Yates Arts in Education School370-8320, [email protected]

Zoller Elementary School370-8290, [email protected]

PTO [email protected]

Check our website for the latest information!Looking for information about your child’s school? Good news about district successes and initiatives? Sports schedules or school breakfast and lunch menus? All that and more is just a few clicks away on the district’s official website, located at www.schenectady.k12.ny.us.


“ THERE ARE MANY LITTLE WAYS TO ENLARGE YOUR CHILD’S WORLD. LOVE OF BOOKS IS THE BEST OF ALL.”— JACQUELINE KENNEDY ONASSIS

JULY 2017 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

AUGUST 2017 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

OCTOBER 2017 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

SEPTEMBER 2017 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30


DECEMBER 2017 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31


JANUARY 2018 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

MARCH 2018 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

MAY 2018 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

JUNE 2018 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

APRIL 2018 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

2017-2018 Calendar OverviewAugust 16-17 Regents TestingSeptember 4 Labor DaySeptember 5-6 Staff Orientation/Staff Development DaySeptember 7 Classes BeginOctober 9 Columbus DayNovember 7 Staff Development Day/No StudentsNovember 10 Veterans Day (Observed)November 23-24 Thanksgiving RecessDecember 22 Emergency Release DayDecember 25 Holiday Recess BeginsJanuary 2 Classes ResumeJanuary 15 Martin Luther King Jr. DayJanuary 22-25 Regents TestingJanuary 29 Staff Development Day/No StudentsFebruary 19-23 Winter RecessMarch 30 Spring Recess BeginsApril 2-6 Spring RecessMay 25 Contingency Day*May 28 Memorial DayJune 12-21 Regents TestingJune 20 1/2 day Elementary & Middle SchoolsJune 21 1/2 day Elementary & Middle SchoolsJune 22 Regents Rating DayJune 22 Graduation Day/Staff Development Day

* Special Note: This calendar provides for three emergency school closing days. In the event that all three emergency days are not used, May 25 shall be an additional recess day.

KEY:— Classes Not In Session — Parent Teacher Conference (1/2 day for PreK-6 grades only)— Staff Development Days/No Students — Evening conference held on 11/30/17— Regents Testing Days — Other

This publication was produced in cooperation with the Capital Region BOCES Communications Service. Aaron Cagwin, Editor & Photographer; Karen Corona, Writer and Concept Design; Karen Pacelli, Graphic Design

2017 2018 everybody learns - home - schenectady city...

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