SCSD Prepares for 2023-24 Academic Year – What You Need to Know Today

CNY Vision recently spoke with Syracuse City School District to find out what the district wants our readers to know as the 2023-24 school year is nearing its start. Here is what we learned.

School Start / Dismissal Times and Bell Schedules

Wednesday, September 6, 2023 is the first day of school. SCSD is implementing modified start and dismissal times, as well as bell schedules for some of its schools. Specific details pertaining to individual schools can be found on each school’s website at www.syracusecityschools.com.

Changes made by the district are part of an overall effort to alleviate some of the ongoing transportation delays we have faced as a result of bus driver shortages.

Families are encouraged to contact their school’s main office directly with any questions about the first day of school.

Annual Physical/Immunizations Reminder

Parents and guardians are reminded to check in with their child’s primary care provider and/or school nurse to ensure that their child is up-to-date on all health requirements.

All students interested in participating in school athletics are required to have an updated physical completed, and select immunizations are required to be up-to-date for school attendance. To learn more about immunization requirements, please visit https://www.syracusecityschools.com/health and click the left link for ‘Parent Information.’

Free & Reduced Lunch Reminder

• Free breakfast, lunch, and snacks are provided daily to all SCSD students as part of the Community Eligibility Provision.

• All families are encouraged to complete an annual household income eligibility form to ensure continuation of this benefit. This helps SCSD qualify to provide free school meals, as well as other state and federal funds to support our students and it can be used to help families find out if their child(ren) can receive additional benefits.

To complete the form, and review frequently asked questions/answers that could help complete it, visit https://www.syracusecityschools.com/food and click on the red box. Forms are also available in each school's main office.

Bridge Year Strategic Plan

• SCSD anticipates using a ‘bridge plan’ to guide its district-wide work in 2023-24.

• This plan focuses on three priorities: improving a sense of belonging for all; increasing student proficiency in literacy and numeracy; and establishing a culture of learning and high expectations.

• It will involve creating a new, multi-year strategic plan starting with SCSD community and stakeholder input in Jan. 2024. The district seeks to determine the priorities and goals that are important to each constituent group impacted by its operation and services.

Community Conversation Events

Last year, SCSD Superintendent Anthony Q. Davis hosted a series of Community Conversation events throughout the city of Syracuse. These conversations have continued during this summer (2023).

The community is invited to join Superintendent Davis as he engages in ongoing two-way conversations with the district’s stakeholders. Input such as comments and concerns is welcomed.

A community conversation event will be held on Thursday, August 31, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. at Syracuse Alliance Church (3112 Midland Ave.).

Future events will be posted on SCSD’s online calendar https://www.syracusecityschools.com/calendar).

Community groups or businesses interested in hosting a conversation event are encouraged to contact Shalanda Graham in the SCSD Office of Family Engagement at (315) 435-4578.