Important back-to-school updates for Sept. 4 start

Dear S-G Families:

We are looking forward to welcoming you on the first day of school, Thursday, Sept. 4, and have several important announcements to share with you.

Distraction-free learning begins on day one

Scotia-Glenville will align with all public school districts in New York State to establish distraction-free learning environments. This will involve requiring students to store personal electronic devices—such as cellphones, smartwatches, Bluetooth or wireless headphones, and other mobile communication devices—away from the beginning of the school day until the conclusion of the regular school day.

Students must have their devices turned off and placed in their locker or cubby for the duration of the school day. Please visit the district website for more information about the distraction-free learning policy at SGCSD.

Say cheese or say no

Photo opt-out forms due Oct. 1

Throughout the year, SGCSD staff may photograph or film students for use on the district website and social media channels. Families who do not wish for their child to be photographed or featured should email their building principal by Oct. 1. If you decide to opt-out, please speak with your child about this choice and ask them not to get in group photos to better ensure they are not inadvertently included in any images or videos. The district understands and respects the privacy preferences of all families and will make every effort to accommodate these requests.

Share those first day snaps

We invite you to share your back-to-school photos with us! We’ve set up a special folder where you can upload your first day snapshots. By contributing your photos, you’ll be helping us celebrate this exciting time on our social media. Click the link to join in the fun and showcase your child’s big day. We look forward to seeing all those smiling faces!

Prioritizing student health, safety, and well-being

Starting this September, all S-G students will be eligible to receive free breakfast and lunch every school day, due to a new state law that expands access to school meals.

Required health documentation for students

As you prepare for the upcoming school year, please review New York State’s health requirements for students in grades K–12, including physical exams and immunizations. These requirements help ensure a safe and healthy learning environment. 

Technology updates

NEW: SchoolTool action required

SchoolTool is our new Student Management System (SIS) and that has replaced PowerSchool. On Aug. 22, welcome emails with login directions and temporary passwords for parents/guardians to access the SchoolTool Parent Portal were sent to all eligible families. Please be advised that email addresses through Yahoo, Hotmail, AOL, and iCloud are blocking some of these communications. If you have encountered this issue, we can certainly provide your Parent Portal information individually. Please reach out to the email schooltool@sgcsd.net and include your first and last name.

Students in grades 6-12 will log in through Classlink and select SchoolTool. This is a process they have frequently used in school.

Once you log in, you will have access to:

  • Your child’s student profiles and emergency contacts
  • Attendance records
  • Teacher communication
  • Schedules, grades, and assignments (grades 6-12)
  • Report cards

ParentSquare school-to-home communications

Our communication platform, ParentSquare, works hand in hand with our new student information system, SchoolTool. Parents/guardians may receive an email invitation from ParentSquare this week to join or rejoin ParentSquare if they became disconnected during the migration to SchoolTool.

Once logged in ParentSquare, you can use our help guides to: 

  • Request updates to your email address or phone number on file. We will also make these updates in SchoolTool for you! 
  • Change or reset your password 
  • Send direct messages to a staff member or coach
  • Download the mobile app

To get the most out of ParentSquare, we encourage you to download the free mobile app, available for iOS and Android. You can also access ParentSquare from your web browser at www.parentsquare.com.

School bus route information

Scotia-Glenville CSD Transportation is excited to welcome students back to our bus fleets! For details regarding your student’s bus ride, please visit the Transportation Department webpage.

Transportation information can be accessed through the Stopfinder app. Since route changes occur frequently, we strongly urge using Stopfinder for the latest updates. The app also offers notifications about emergency closings, delays, changes in transportation, and reminders, while enabling direct communication with the department.

Parents and guardians who have not yet registered will receive an email invitation. If you haven’t registered or have not received an email, please contact Transportation Director Clara Bisaillon for assistance at cbisaillon@sgcsd.net.

Schedules and key initiatives for our schools and staff

Calendar of events

The annual printed calendar will be delivered to houses the first week in September. For a digital copy, click this link.

Reimagining Our Schools Committee

The district is currently engaged in a vital initiative concerning our elementary education program. We are evaluating several aspects, such as: enrollment, staffing, facilities, and a potential school closure. This analysis is essential due to ongoing financial challenges and related factors. SGCSD understands the significance of this issue and its potential impact on our community. We encourage you to take part in shaping informed decisions regarding our next steps. Your feedback and involvement are essential as we navigate these challenges together. Please fill out this form to express your interest, and we will reach out to you about how you can contribute to our mission. To learn more about our mission visit our district webpage. 

BOE Employee of the Month

Nominations are now open for Scotia-Glenville CSD’s Tartan Employee of the Month award, celebrating outstanding employees who exceed expectations and embody the district’s values. 

All district employees are eligible. Criteria include:

  • Surpassing daily work expectations
  • Fostering a positive environment
  • Making significant contributions to the community

To nominate, complete the fillable form and you can direct questions to EOM@sgcsd.net. 

The first winner will be announced on September 22, with future winners revealed monthly. Submit your nomination to honor exceptional efforts!