Back-to-school information for families

As we look forward to the start of the 2026-27 school year, we’re sharing some helpful details to ensure a smooth, exciting return to the classroom for all of our students and families.

Please review the resources outlined below for additional guidance to support your family’s start of the school year.

First day of school

  • Grades 1-8: Tuesday, Sept. 8
  • Kindergarten and grades 9-12: Wednesday, Sept. 9

District calendar

The full district calendar can be viewed on our website. Families are also able to sync the calendar to a personal device or mobile app.

School supply lists

School supply lists for each building can be accessed through our website or the links provided below.

ParentSquare

ParentSquare is the K-12 communications platform Niskayuna uses as a way for teachers, staff, families and community subscribers to communicate in a centralized location. The district encourages families to activate their ParentSquare account using the contact information on file with the district.

ParentSquare can be accessed from a web browser or the ParentSquare mobile app. Families can choose whether to receive push notifications, get automatic language translations for messages and more. More information about ParentSquare is available on our website.

Free meals for all and LINQ Connect

Now in its second year, all Niskayuna students will be eligible to receive free breakfast and lunch every day. Second full meals and a la carte items may be purchased at a price. Although meals are free, families may wish to have extra money on their student’s account to purchase these items.

If you would like to add funds to your child’s account, visit the LINQ Connect website. Meal menus are available digitally on LINQ Connect or on our website as print-friendly PDFs. For more information about school meals and LINQ Connect, visit our food and nutrition page.

PowerSchool

PowerSchool Parent Portal is an online portal that is accessible anywhere on the web. Parents or guardians can log in to PowerSchool to see all of their children’s information in one place. This includes grades, assignments, scores, attendance and schedules. Families that are new to the district will receive a letter in the mail to register.

Additional information about PowerSchool is available on the Niskayuna IT parent technology support website.

Technology support

The Niskayuna IT parent technology support website houses information about tools utilized by the district. If you have any technology related questions, visit the website or email techsupport@niskyschools.org.