April 20 2021
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PARENT SURVEY REGARDING IN-PERSON LEARNING
We are exploring the feasibility of expanding in-person learning opportunities for the remainder of the school year. Please let us know your level of interest by completing the attached form by April 27.
News, Updates and Reminders
Summer Enrichment Application Deadline Extended
We have extended the deadline to apply for the summer enrichment program to Friday, April 23. Apply here.
About the Program
The Summer Enrichment Program is designed to help prevent summer slide, specifically around literacy. Students engage in project-based learning experiences that build natural curiosity, genuine inquiry and confidence.
The program is enhanced through partnerships with several community-based organizations that provide opportunities for real life, hands-on activities and field trips. Of course, we hope to be swimming this summer.
At this time, our planning centers around an in-person program, but we continue to monitor conditions and regulations around the pandemic. In the event that we are allowed to operate in-person, health and safety will remain a priority and all regulations, guidelines and protocols will be followed.
Details
Students currently in grades Pre-K through 11 are eligible.
Program Dates: July 12 - August 6
Monday through Friday
8 a.m. - 4:30- p.m.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks are provided.
More information is available here.
Superintendent Search Update
School Board President John Foley announced at the board of education meeting last week that the board will be launching a new superintendent search. Mr. Foley opened a discussion at the board meeting for members to talk about the initial steps that need to be taken. The discussion centered around what type of search it will be (open, closed, or hybrid) and who would conduct the search. Board members discussed some of the pros and cons of the various types of searches and experience with the most recent search. No decisions were made. The board will continue to discuss. More information and all updates will be posted on our website here.
2021-2022 Budget Development
First Draft Budget Proposal Adds $3.6 Million in Programs & Services; No Change to Tax Levy
Next Discussion and Second Draft on April 21
Interim Superintendent Aaron Bochniak presented a first draft of a 2021-2022 Budget proposal to the Board of Education last Wednesday. The draft proposal calls for increasing spending by $11.8 million or 5.8 percent, adding $3.6 million worth of programs, services and staffing, and holding the tax levy flat.
The proposal, which was built with the assumption that all students and staff will return to in-person teaching and learning, accounts for the restoration of all services and programs that were in place prior to the pandemic. It also includes the addition of 40 positions that support district priorities with focus on attendance, academic outcomes and keeping the district's efforts to ensure equity and inclusion, at the forefront. More details are posted online here.
More discussion and a second draft will be presented at the April 21 Board of Education Meeting, scheduled for 7 p.m. The meeting link will be available from the homepage of our website.
New York State English as a Second Language Achievement Test (NYSESLAT)
A letter for families of English Language Learners and Multi-Language Learners about the New York State English as a Second Language Achievement Test (NYSESLAT) is here.
Transportation
Click here for the Spring Transportation Newsletter with important reminders for parents.
Parent Portal
You can sign up and get access to the Parent Portal today. Sign up here now.
Reminders
Interested in Running for School Board?
If you are interested in running for a seat on the board of education, nominating petitions are due April 28. More information is here.
Absentee Ballot Application
Information about voting by absentee ballot in the May 18 election is online here.
Asynchronous Wednesday
The next asynchronous Wednesday is scheduled for April 28 with the exception of those students who attend full day in-person classes.
Recess Day, May 28
Since we did not use all of our emergency closing days, May 28 will be an additional recess day.
Food Resources
If your family is in need of assistance with food, please call The Food Pantries for the Capital District at 518-458-1167 for a free delivery of food to your door.
Regular Events
"Street Soldiers" free food and supplies
Every Sunday, 3 - 5:30 p.m.
Zion Lutheran Church, 153 Nott Terrace
Mobile Food Pantry
Every Tuesday, 1 - 2:30 p.m.
City Mission, Clinton Street
Mass Food Distribution at SICM
Fourth Thursday of every month, 9 - 11 a.m.
Schenectady Inner City Ministry, 839 Albany Street
Drive-Through and Walk-Up Food Pantry
www.regionafoodbank.net
Food Pantry Resources