Policies & Notifications

Academics

Special Education Plan

The district’s Special Education Plan outlines and governs how the district delivers special education services, defining its programs, policies, procedures, and compliance with state and federal requirements while serving as an accountability and planning framework.

• View the Special Education Plan.

Back to top

Staff Qualifications and Annual Professional Performance Review (APPR)

New York State Education Law requires each classroom teacher and school principal to receive an annual professional performance review (APPR) that results in a composite effectiveness score and rating. All parents/guardians have the right to obtain the APPR quality ratings and composite effectiveness scores for their child’s current teacher(s) and principal(s) once they are available. To initiate this request, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (518) 377-4666, ext. 50740.

Back to top

Student Evaluation, Promotion and Placement

High School Grading Policy

The Niskayuna High School grading policy outlines how a student’s final course grade is calculated.

• View Niskayuna High School’s grading policy.

Back to top

Title I

Some schools in the Niskayuna CSD are Title I schools. Being a Title I school means receiving federal funding to supplement the school’s existing programs.

• Access more Title I information.

Back to top

Attendance

Students are expected to attend class daily as required by state law. Such attendance creates an environment that fosters subject competency, continuity of learning, and responsibility, which are all integral to the educational process. If a student is not in school, the parents will be notified. In the event that further action is warranted, the principal will speak to the parent directly.

Reporting an Absence

Back to top

What is an Excused Absence?

Students are required to attend classes every school day unless excused for a valid reason. Acceptable reasons are:

• Personal illness or injury
• Death or emergency illness in the immediate family
• Obligatory religious observance
• Required court appearance
• Medical and dental appointments
• School sponsored events
• College visits and interviews
• Career development or explorations programs approved by the principal
• Driver’s road test (not permit tests)
• Late arriving bus
• Impassable roads or weather making travel unsafe
• Music lessons
• Others as authorized by the principal

Although days missed for the above reasons are considered excused absences, students must realize that their schoolwork can suffer if they are out of class too often. Students are responsible for keeping informed of makeup work for class, whether the absence is excused or unexcused.

• Access the complete Policy 7110 Comprehensive Student Attendance.

Back to top

Handbooks

Back-to-School Startup Guide

Our Startup Guide is a back-to-school guide that provides families and staff with key information, resources, calendars, and important details to help students and parents prepare for the school year.

• View the Back-to-School Startup Guide.

Back to top

Elementary School Policies & Procedures (Elementary Family Guide)

From bus passes to recess, consult our Elementary Family Guide to learn about the elementary school day, how to handle absences, visitor policies, the best ways to drop off or pick up your child and more. For school-specific information, please contact the main office of your child’s school.

• View the Elementary Family Guide.

Back to top

Middle School Resources (Middle School Family Guide)

View middle school resources such as homework guidelines, counseling support, health services, and information on sports participation. For school-specific information, please contact the main office of your child’s school.

• View the Middle School Family Guide.

Back to top

Health, Safety and Facilities

Allergy Aware, Allergy Prepared

The Niskayuna Central School District has adopted an “Allergy Aware, Allergy Prepared” initiative to address a variety of severe allergies through district-wide staff training, symptom-awareness posters, and recommendations for pre-packaged, nut-free snacks.

• Learn more about the “Allergy Aware, Allergy Prepared” initiative.

Back to top

Athletic Health & Safety

NCSD has established health and safety guidelines, regulations, and resources to protect the well-being of its student-athletes.

• View more information on the Athletic Health & Safety page.

Back to top

Asbestos Management Plan

In accordance with the EPA Asbestos Hazardous Emergency Response Act, the district has in place an asbestos management plan to identify and manage asbestos building materials. The Asbestos Management Plan for the district is available at the District Office. Information about required inspections and any scheduled asbestos project occurring this school year is contained within the Asbestos Management Plan.

Back to top

Body Mass Index (BMI) Survey

As part of a required school health examination every other year, a student is weighed and their height is measured. These numbers are used to figure out the student’s body mass index or ‘BMI’. The state requires BMI and weight status group be included as part of the student’s school health examination. A sample of school districts will be selected to take part in a survey by the State Department of Health. If our school is selected to be part of the survey, we will be reporting information about our students’ weight status groups. Only summary information is sent; no names and no information about individual students are sent. However, you may choose to have your child’s information excluded from this survey report. Please contact your school nurse if this is the case.

Back to top

Building Access

The Niskayuna Central School District received a final building access audit report prepared by the New York State Office of the State Comptroller in Aug. 2026.

In accordance with Section 33 and Section 35 of New York State General Municipal Law, the official audit report is available for public review.

Pursuant to state guidelines, district leadership is preparing a written Corrective Action Plan (CAP) addressing the audit findings and recommendations.

• View the August 2026 Building Access report.

Back to top

Child Abuse Hotline Information

If you suspect a child is being abused or maltreated (neglected), report it by calling 1 (800) 342-3720, a toll-free 24-hour hotline operated by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services. If you believe a child is in immediate danger, call 911 or your local police department. Information about reporting child abuse and maltreatment is available from the New York State Office of Child and Family Services.

• Visit the Office of Child and Family Services website.

Back to top

Emergency Preparedness Plan

In accordance with section 155.13 of the New York State education commissioner’s regulations, the district has a plan for preventing and reacting to an emergency or disaster, and has coordinated these plans with local emergency management agencies. The district will conduct one drill every year to test the emergency plan. As part of this drill, dismissal will occur approximately 15 minutes earlier than normal dismissal time. For more information, call the school district’s safety officer (Director of Student and Staff Support Services) at (518) 377-4666, ext. 50740.

Back to top

Fire Inspection Reports

All school buildings undergo an annual inspection for potential fire hazards. Copies of the fire inspection reports are available by request at the district office.

Back to top

Hand Sanitizer Use

Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are available in school buildings. If parents/guardians wish to opt their child out of using it, they should send a written notice to the school.

Back to top

Idling of Vehicle Engines on School Grounds

State law requires school districts to take steps to minimize the idling of the engines of school buses and other school vehicles on school grounds. While students are boarding and departing school buses, the engine should be turned off. Students should be instructed about the importance of getting on and off buses in an orderly and efficient fashion to minimize loading and offloading time. Bus engines should also be off while parked at sporting events and other school activities. Exceptions can be made in cases of emergency, mechanical issues or for necessary heating.

Back to top

Insurance

School district accident insurance covers students for accidents that occur during school activities. It is non-duplicating coverage, meaning the family must first file with its own health and accident insurance plan. Forms for medical expenses that are not thus covered may be obtained from the school nurse at the child’s school.

Back to top

Pesticide Use and Request for Notification

The Niskayuna Central School District uses an Integrated Pest Management approach to control structural and landscape pests and to minimize pesticide exposure to students, employees and visitors. While infrequent, in the event that conditions warrant a pesticide application, it is performed by state-licensed applicators and the district maintains a copy of the label of each pesticide used.

Notification to the school community of potential pesticide applications is a key component of an integrated pest management (IPM) program. The district maintains a registry of all individuals who request to receive 48-hour prior notification of pesticide applications on school property. If you would like to receive these notifications, or for more information about the district’s approach to Integrated Pest Management, please contact the district’s Communications Office.

Back to top

School Closings/Delays

The Niskayuna Central School District has established protocols for deciding whether to close or delay school or cancel activities due to snow or other inclement weather. The district uses several information channels to communicate this information with parents and community members.

• View more information about school closings and delays.

Back to top

School Safety Plan and Safety Resources

District-Wide Safety Plan

The District-wide School Safety Plan outlines the framework for preventing and responding to emergencies and serious incidents, ensuring coordinated, effective action across all schools and alignment with building-level emergency response plans and local resources.

• View the District-Wide Safety Plan.

Back to top

Safety Resources and Expectations

NCSD has a comprehensive approach to school safety, complete with emergency response protocols, district-wide safety plans, updates to security technology, and essential guidelines and preparedness tips for parents and students.

• View our safety resources and expectations.

Back to top

Sex Offender Information

New York State Law permits law enforcement authorities to share certain information with school districts relating to paroled sex offenders who take up residence in a school district. Parolees are tracked through the New York State Sex Offender Registry and regularly monitored by the Schenectady County Probation Department. The parolee is classified by New York State at different risk levels: Level 1 (least risk to community); Level 2 (moderate risk of re-offending); or Level 3 (greatest risk). Depending upon the risk level, the Department of Justice Criminal Services permits the release of different information: Level 2 (name, photograph, description and zip code) and Level 3 (name, photograph, description and specific address.)

• Access the New York State Sex Offender Registry.

Back to top

Water Quality Testing

New York State law requires schools to test water sources for lead every five years. This testing is a routine part of our health and safety protocols.

• Learn more about water quality testing.

Back to top

Water Safety Tips

New York State law requires school districts to provide families with information about drowning prevention, water safety, and safe and healthy swimming.

• View water safety information.

Back to top

Student Conduct, Expectations, Bullying and Harassment

Code of Conduct

The Niskayuna K-12 Code of Conduct’s goal is to ensure that all students receive an education in a safe, civil, engaging and caring environment.

• View the K-12 Code of Conduct.

Back to top

Dignity for All Students & Report an Incident

The goal of the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) is to provide students with a safe and supportive learning environment that is free from discrimination, intimidation, taunting, harassment and bullying. Niskayuna works diligently to ensure our student experience a safe, positive and respectful school environment.

• Learn more about DASA and reporting an incident in our Safe, Positive & Respectful Schools.

Back to top

Dress Code

NCSD encourages self-expression through clothing, but prioritizes safety and learning. Students and parents are primarily responsible for dress code adherence. Staff should exemplify professional attire and guide students towards appropriate attire. The dress code prohibits vulgar, offensive, discriminatory, or substance-promoting clothing. It also bans attire that depicts violence or disrupts the learning environment. The goal is to create a comfortable and inclusive learning environment where students can express themselves freely without fear of judgment or unnecessary discipline.

Back to top

Prohibition of Bullying, Discrimination, Harassment, Hazing and Retaliation

NCSD is committed to maintaining an educational and working environment that promotes respect, dignity, and equality for all.

• Learn more on our Safe, Positive & Respectful Schools page.

Back to top

Student Use of Cell Phones and Other Internet-Enabled Devices

New York state requires school districts and BOCES to prohibit student use of internet-enabled devices during the school day on school grounds. View the complete policy and learn approved methods to contact a student during school hours.

• Learn about the policy and the Yondr pouches for grade 7-12 students: Be Present. Be Engaged.
• Learn how the district gathered community input for this policy.
• Access the complete Policy 7316 Student Use of Cell Phones and Other Internet-Enabled Devices During the School Day.

Annual Report on Internet-Enabled Device Enforcement

A required annual report summarizes enforcement of the district’s internet-enabled device policy during the prior school year and includes non-identifiable demographic data, an analysis of any demographic disparities in enforcement and, if applicable, a mitigation action plan.

• View the 2025-26 School District Internet-Enabled Device Policy Enforcement Report.
• Access the complete Policy 7316 Student Use of Cell Phones and Other Internet-Enabled Devices During the School Day.
• The district’s policy and frequently asked questions can also be found by visiting the Be Present. Be Engaged. webpage.

Back to top

Student Data and Privacy, and Student and Family Rights

Education of Homeless Youth

The Niskayuna Central School District will ensure homeless children and youths have equal access to the same free, appropriate public education, including a public preschool education, as provided to other children and youths, and access to services that support their success. We are committed to eliminating barriers to the identification, enrollment, attendance and success of homeless students. Board of Education policy provides for the transportation of homeless students in accordance with state and federal law, which gives homeless students the right to designate either the school district of origin or the school district of current location as the one they wish to attend.

For more information about the education of homeless youth, please contact the Assistant Superintendent of Student Support Services at (518) 377-4666, ext. 50737.

• Access Board of Education Policy 7131 Education of Students in Temporary Housing.

Back to top

Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) Requests

The Freedom of Information Law requires districts to remind stakeholders they have access to records and procedures and inform them how to obtain that information.

• Learn how to place a FOIL Request.

Back to top

Meal Charge, Meal Modification & Protection Against Discrimination

The goal of NCSD is to provide student access to nutritious no- or low-cost meals each school day and to ensure that a pupil whose parent/guardian has unpaid school meal fees is not shamed or treated differently than a pupil whose parent/guardian does not have unpaid meal fees.

• View food service policies and statements.

Back to top

Military Recruiter Access to Student Information

Pursuant to federal law, the Niskayuna Central School District must release secondary school students’ names, addresses and telephone listings to military recruiters or institutions of higher education, unless the students or their parents/guardians request in writing that such information not be released.

If you would not like this information released, please notify Niskayuna High School Counseling Center Secretary Jaclyn Allen by email or in writing by Oct. 1 of each year:

Jaclyn Allen
Niskayuna High School Counseling Center
1626 Balltown Road
Niskayuna, NY 12309

Back to top

Participation in Graduation Ceremonies by All Eligible Students

New York State Education Law requires the Niskayuna Central School District to inform students and parents/guardians of the district’s policy that all eligible students are allowed to participate in a high school graduation ceremony and associated graduation activities with their graduating class (i.e., the 12th-grade class with which such student entered into ninth grade). This includes students who have been awarded a Skills and Achievement Commencement Credential or Career Development and Occupational Studies Commencement Credential.

Back to top

Protection of Pupil Rights

The Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment provides parents/guardians with certain rights regarding the conduct of surveys, collection and use of information for marketing purposes, and certain physical exams.

• View information about protection of pupil rights.

Back to top

Student Data and Privacy

Ed Law 2-d

New York State Education Law gives you the right to information about how NCSD is safeguarding student and staff data.

• Learn more about the vendors we work with.
• Review Board of Education Policy 5676 Privacy and Security for Student Data & Teacher and Principal Data.

If at any time the district learns that student and/or employee data has been compromised, parents/guardians will be notified, and the data breach will be reported to the New York State Education Department. Parents/guardians who have concerns or complaints about data privacy or security may file a complaint by contacting the district’s Data Privacy Officer.

Back to top

Parents’ Bill of Rights for Data Privacy and Security

The Niskayuna Central School District is committed to ensuring student privacy in accordance with local, state and federal regulations and district policies. To this end and pursuant to U.S. Department of Education regulations, the district provides a Parents’ Bill of Rights for Data Privacy and Security.

• Access the Parents’ Bill of Rights for Data Privacy and Security.

Back to top

Release of Student Directory Information

The district may release student information defined as “directory information” without prior written consent, unless otherwise notified by parents.

• Learn more about the release of student directory information.

Back to top

Student Records and FERPA

The federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) provides parents/guardians and students who are 18 years of age or older (known as “eligible students“) with certain rights with respect to the student’s education records.

• Learn about student records and FERPA.

Back to top

Statement of Non-Discrimination

The Board of Education is committed to providing an educational and working environment that promotes respect, dignity and equality. Board policy prohibits all acts of discrimination, harassment and bullying (including cyberbullying), as well as retaliation, by anyone on school property or at school functions. Acts of discrimination, harassment, hazing bullying or retaliatory behavior should be reported to any staff member, administrator, or the Title VII/Title IX Officer (Chief Equity Officer Latisha Barnett) at (518) 377-4666, ext. 50746. Inquiries concerning policies regarding harassment and discrimination should also be directed toward the Title VII/Title IX Officer. Copies of the Board of Education policies are available in the District Office and in all school main offices.

• View Board of Education Policy 3420 Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment in the School District.
• Learn more about our efforts to create Safe, Positive & Respectful Schools.

Back to top

Technology

Back to top

Smart Schools Investment Plan

As required by the Smart Schools Bond Act (SSBA), school districts must post their final Smart Schools Investment Plan online. The plan outlines how the district will participate in the Smart Schools Bond Act of 2014, which authorized $2 billion in state funding for educational technology and infrastructure.

• View the Niskayuna CSD Smart Schools Investment Plans on the NYS Education Department website.

Back to top

Instructional Technology Plan

As required by Commissioner’s Regulation 100.12, the Niskayuna Central School District maintains an Instructional Technology Plan to help support achievement and engagement through the seamless integration of technology into teaching and learning, improve learning experiences for students and increase equitable access to technology-rich learning experiences for students and staff.

• View the 2026-2029 Instructional Technology Plan.

Back to top