The Big Picture
Big Picture Schenectady's monthly newsletter
September Newsletter
From the Principal's Desk
What a wonderful two weeks at Big Picture Learning! After months of planning, I couldn't be happier with the way our building has already come together now that it is full of staff and students. The feedback from students and families is overwhelmingly positive. Thank you to everyone for your support of the program!
No School Monday, 9/25 in observance of Yom Kippur
Cell phones- please help!
Student cell phones are supposed to be away during class instruction. Students are receiving phone calls and texts from their parents and guardians while they are in class. Please, if you have a message for your child call or text me 518-920-4924 and the message will be delivered. When students are distracted by their phones, they are collected by the teacher or Principal.
Back to School Night, 9/28 6:00-7:00pm
422 Mumford St.
Schenectady, NY 12307
We will begin in the large cafeteria on the second floor for a whole school presentation:
Hear about the Big Picture philosophy
Hear more about internships and Leaving to Learns
See your child's daily schedule and how this program leads to a Regents diploma
Hear from each teacher in the program
We will then head to the third floor to tour the spaces.
Attendance Updates
Our school hours are 8:20am-3:30pm. Please make sure you are dropping off and picking up your children during those time frames.
Chronic absenteeism is defined as missing 10% or more of school. Missing two days per month throughout the school year would equate to being considered chronically absent. You will be receiving a monthly report of your child's attendance rate at the end of every month.
One of our major goals this year is to maintain an attendance average of 90% or higher as a school. Attendance is one of the most important indicators for success in school. Please make sure your child is coming to school if they are healthy. We are currently at 89% attendance. This is one of many measures used to determine if a school is successful.
Please call or text Sarah at 518-920-4924 if your child will be absent. If I do not hear from you, I will text you as well. You can send in a written note or doctor's note when your child returns.
Upcoming Leaving to Learn Dates
We are always looking for parent chaperones. Please let me know if you are interested in any of the following:
Thursday, 9/28 New York State Museum, 10am-1pm
Thursday, 10/5 Riverview Orchards Apple Picking, 10am-1pm
Thursday, 10/12 Herkimer Diamond Mine,, 10am-1pm
Thursday, 10/19 Ellm's Farm, 10am-1pm
Thursday, 10/23 Stockade Walking Tour, 10am-12pm
Thursday, 10/27 Wild Play, 10am-1pm
Thursday, 11/9 TBD
Thursday, 11/16 Volunteer at City Mission, 10am-1pm
Monday, 11/20 Whole School and Family Thanksgiving 11am
Leaving to Learn photos
Van Gogh at the Armory
On September 21st, Big Picture students went to the Armory to view the Van Gogh Immersive experience
Walking Tour
More from the walking tour
Packed House for Family Night!
Big Picture Schenectady Mission Statement
Big Picture Schenectady believes that students learn best when they engage in relevant and rigorous work in a culture of care, respect, and belonging.