Grading Policy Change

Memo to Staff on November 2, 2023

Dear SCSD Faculty & Staff,

On behalf of the Offices of District Initiatives, Planning, & Accountability, and Teaching & Learning, we are pleased to offer some initial

communications regarding our recently adopted Grading Policy. As we shift towards the application of the policy into our practice as educators,

we want to ensure you are informed of key changes.

Please find a resource one-page summary document here, that highlights the policy itself, along with some key points to be aware of in the

immediacy. specifically, please note:

● Teachers may require students to complete prior missing assignments before students are able to retake an assessment for a new grade.

● Students in grades 6-12 will have until the end of the quarter to resolve incomplete grades. “No Grade” or “Incomplete” markation will NOT be utilized without authorization from the building principal. For example, in the event of an approved, documented medical reason.

● The 5 week grace period allotted to students to improve a failing grade into the next quarter is no longer observed.

We are grateful to our Grading Policy Committee, dedicated faculty, staff, and administration, and leadership input for helping to make this policy come to existence. As we move forward, please do not hesitate to reach out to our offices for greater information or support.

EVERYBODY COUNTS. EVERYBODY LEARNS.

Data Requests:

The Data Team is processing Infinite Campus issues/questions and Data Requests as well as Classlink through Let’s Talk. This allows the Data Team to efficiently monitor requests and ensure timelines are met. 

BEDS Day Communication: Included is a link to a resource that outlines the process and deadline for BEDS Day and timelines. If you would like training or support in this process please reach out through Let’s Talk to schedule a time. 

If you have students that have not stepped foot in your building or you believe may be attending another school please email Katy Vacca (vaccak@schenectadyschools.org). Registration and DIPA will work together to ensure we provide accurate information to the State for BEDS Day.

New Data Visualizations:

For Teachers: The new data visualization in Infinite Campus “Electronic Referral by Staff” will show you submitted referrals and resolutions.

Here are directions to get to Dashboard in the New Look:

• Navigate to the Main Menu

• Select Custom Data Visualization

• Under Behavior select Electronic Referrals by Staff

For Principals: The new data visualization in Infinite Campus “Electronic Referral by School” and will show you submitted referrals, events and resolutions.

Here are directions to get to Dashboard in the New Look:

• Navigate to the Main Menu

• Select Custom Data Visualization

• Under Behavior select Electronic Referrals by School

For Behavior Designee: The new data visualization in Infinite Campus “Electronic Referral by School” and will show you submitted referrals and resolutions. 

Here are directions to get to Dashboard in the New Look:

• Navigate to the Main Menu

• Select Custom Data Visualization

• Under Behavior select Electronic Referrals by School

As the weather continues to change and become less predictable, I wanted to remind everyone on some information regarding student bussing.

As we transition from Fall to Winter, it will be very important for families to start listening to radio stations, news channels and social media for daily and weekly forecasts. From proper dress to road conditions, knowing this information is helpful and will keep our students safe. Delays, closings and early dismissals will also be shared by these outlets.

Whether the student walks to school or rides a bus, it is very important that they are dressed for the weather each and every day. Proper dress at this time should include a knit hat, gloves, scarf, a heavy jacket and boots. Please be sure that students who ride the bus are ready and visible at the bus stop ten minutes prior to the scheduled bus arrival time. This time of year also brings early darkness, so it is good practice to be prepared for your student to be dropped off 10 minutes earlier, too.

As we progress through this year and into next, we want to remind you that your bussing vendors are happy to assist with any questions or concerns. They can also provide estimated drop off and pick up times for your student’s bus if it hasn’t arrived yet. 

Lastly, I wanted to share that your feedback is important and continues to help us ensure our efforts to provide safe and efficient transportation. This feedback is invaluable for us now and into the future if we are going to continue to make progress. Thank you for your support and communication.

Our office will be moving soon - please look for email and website updates before sending families to our office.  

Remember ALL changes In Infinite Campus must come to Registration  to be done   Please contact registration@schenectadyschools.org with questions.

All Conference Requests for 2023-2024:  Please allow 6 weeks for any conference approval AND 10 weeks for the approval process to take place for any overnight and long distance travel.  Also, please ensure you receive approval from your Principal or direct supervisor and secure funding before entering into StaffTrac.  NOTE: even if the District is sponsoring the conference/event, your Principal/direct supervisor must give approval to attend.  Please see the 2023-2024 SCSD Conference Request Form (for teachers, administrators, and cabinet members) here.

Building Principals/Secretaries - Please remember to enter ALL building faculty meetings in StaffTrac.  Each event must have a description and/or agenda attached.  All staff enrolled need to be marked as 'Attended' or 'Did not attend' after the meeting.  

If you would like StaffTrac training, please contact Natasha Bangaroo at: bangarooh@schenectadyschools.org.

Home School/Instruction continues to be supported for 2023-2024! If you have interested families looking for information, please inquire to see that they have reviewed their intent with the Principal or Counselors.  Please provide them with the following: 

Questions regarding home instruction should be directed to Connie Miller at 518-464-3982 and/or homeschooling@neric.org.

Documents may be submitted via email to homeschooling@neric.org or hard copies mailed to the address below:

Attn:  Connie Miller

Capital Region BOCES

900 Watervliet Shaker Road

Albany, NY 12205

We have developed a "Fact Sheet for Counselors" to assist the conversations with families about homeschooling.  Please let us know if  you have any questions.

Please contact Tracy Angelini, if you have any questions.

The School Improvement Grant process continues to move forward. Thank you, to the building Principals, for providing detailed information during the budget building process. Once approved by the New York State Department of Education SIG Basic budgets will be open for spending. You will receive notification of approval and appropriate grant codes to use for the specific grant funding source. 

All schools receiving School Improvement Grants will be meeting with the Assistant Director of Grant Development and Title Funding quarterly to review appropriation status and planning documents during the 2023-2024 school year. 

Please contact Christy Ferri at ferric@schenectadyschools.org if you have any questions regarding grants or title funding. 

2023–24 School Year Elementary- and Intermediate-level Testing Schedule per NYSED

SCSD Testing Schedule for 2023-2024

NYSAA ELA, Math, and Science

Monday, March 11 - Friday, June 7;  Make-ups must be given within the testing window

Regional testing window for each content by NERIC - dates for SCSD - all district Gr 3-8: 

We finalized the dates to administer the CBT and PBT as follows:

Middle Schools

• ELA PBT and CBT for Grades 6, 7, 8 will be administered on 4/10-4/11; makeups for PBT through 4/17; makeups for CBT through 5/17

• Math CBT Grade 8 will be administered on 5/7-5/8; makeups through 5/17

• Math PBT Grades 6, 7 will be administered on 5/7-5/8; makeups through 5/14

• Science CBT Grade 8 will be administered on 5/13; makeups through 5/17 (no PBT unless SWD)

Elementary Schools

• ELA PBT for Grades 3, 4 will be administered on 4/10-4/11; makeups through 4/17

• ELA CBT for Grades 5 will be administered on 4/12-4/13; makeups through 5/17

• Math PBT for Grades 3, 4 will be administered on 5/7-5/8; makeups through 5/14

• Math CBT for Grades 5 CBT will be administered on 5/9-5/10; makeups through 5/17

• Science CBT Grade 5 will be administered on 5/13; makeups through 5/17

NYSESLAT Speaking

Monday, April 15 - Friday, May 24; Make-ups must be given within the testing window

NYSESLAT Listening, Reading, and Writing - all PBT

Monday, May 13 - Friday, May 24; Make-ups must be given within the testing window

Principals - the Tech Readiness Checklist is due on or before Deember 29, 2023 - please prepare to complete before December 15 so we have all submitted before the holiday break!