As we prepare for the start of the 2025-26 school year, our district has a few important reminders for families. The first day of school for grades 1-8 and kindergarten and grade 9 orientation is Thursday, Sept. 4. Kindergarten and high school students will start on Friday, Sept. 5.
The links and information below will help families ensure a smooth start to the year.
“Be present. Be engaged.” A new policy to improve our school environment
Beginning in the 2025-26 school year, our district will be implementing a new policy that limits student use of cell phones and other Internet-enabled devices during the school day. The new policy aligns with a new law in New York state that restricts cell phones in public schools. Implementation of this policy will look different at each grade level.
Elementary students should not possess cell phones or Internet-enabled devices during the school day. This is the existing longstanding practice that will continue to be enforced.
Students at Van Antwerp Middle School must power down their devices and store them in a secure locker in the main office or other designated location upon arrival at the school. The device shall remain in the locker until the student leaves the building or the end of the school (whichever is first).
At Iroquois Middle School and Niskayuna High School, students will use Yondr pouches to securely store cell phones and Internet-enabled devices upon entry to school. Students will keep their devices with them at all times before unlocking the pouches at the end of the day.
To learn more about the new policy and find common questions and answers, visit our website.
ParentSquare
ParentSquare is the K-12 communications platform Niskayuna uses as a way for teachers, staff and families 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
All Niskayuna students will be eligible to receive free breakfast and lunch every day as part of a new state law. 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 also available through LINQ Connect. 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.
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