KCSD Welcome Letter from the Superintendent

Dear Kingston City School District Families,  

I hope you had a fun-filled summer and are excited about your children returning to school on Wednesday, September 4. The beginning of school is a very exciting time for all of us! Soon, more than 6,000 pre-kindergarten through grade twelve students will come through our doors with excitement for seeing friends, eager for what is to come, and ready to be engaged in positive and inclusive learning.   

We're excited to announce the launch of our new Kingston City School District website! Available at www.KingstonCitySchools.org, this overhauled site is designed for improved accessibility and user-friendliness. In the coming weeks, we'll share a video guide to help you navigate its features.    

Our secondary students will begin a cell phone-free environment this year. We will be implementing the Yondr program, which utilizes a magnetic pouch to secure a mobile phone to help create a phone-free space. While phones will be secured throughout the day, designated stations will allow students to access their devices when necessary. We anticipate this initiative will enhance focus, engagement, and face-to-face interactions. Informational sessions about this program will be held virtually on Thursday, August 29, with presentations in both English and Spanish. Access information is available on our website. 

We're pleased to report that our four KCSD summer school programs, and the two Ulster BOCES-hosted programs held on our campuses, were highly successful. Of special note, the new Ready to Rise to 5 program, served incoming Grade 5 students, focusing on teaching essential foundational skills. Additionally, our Summer 9 program hosted 80 incoming freshmen, the highest number in the program's six-year history. Many of our community partners supplemented our classrooms with real-world activities and social-emotional learning. These initiatives underscore our commitment to continuous learning and student support. 

The enhancements to Dietz Stadium will provide our athletes with an improved facility and our fans with an enhanced viewing experience. Upgrades nearing completion include a digitized video replay scoreboard, new turf playing field, renovated grandstands, enhanced concessions, and a newly lined track. We're hoping to hold our first home KHS football game at the stadium on September 20. We will keep our community informed of any changes.  

I look forward to the positive changes and opportunities ahead for our students, as I hope you do too. Thank you for your continued support and partnership in education.  

Sincerely, 
Dr. Paul J. Padalino 
Superintendent of Schools