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Albany, NY 12207
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Current & Former Students Say Goodbye to 99-Year-Old Public School 16

School 16 Hosts Closing Celebration & Prepares for New School

WHAT: Albany's Public School 16 is opening its doors to the surrounding community, and current and former students, for the last time on June 4, to allow neighbors and friends to say farewell to one of the city's oldest schools. Displays will feature people and information about the school's history, as well as the new school's design schematics, models, and plans.

Current and past student performances, including a chorus, orchestra, and jazz band, will be featured at the event. School supporters will also pre-sell bricks from the school's demolition for $5.00 each. Proceeds from sales of the bricks will be used to build a playground at the new school.

WHO: Hundreds of Public School 16's current and former students will say goodbye to the building. Alumni are expected to attend the event from as far away as the Netherlands, Washington, D.C., and California.

Speakers include Mayor Gerald Jennings, Albany Board of Education President Scott Wexler, and Superintendent Dr. Eva Joseph, among other local leaders.

WHY: Public School 16 was built in 1906 to serve the needs of children living in the newly established Pine Hills section of Albany. The building is being razed during the summer as part of the districtwide plan to improve school facilities. A new building will be constructed at the same site and is slated to open in 2007. Click here to learn more about the new school.

WHEN & WHERE: Saturday, June 4, at Public School 16, 141 Western Avenue, Albany

School history tours begin at 2 p.m.

Formal program begins at 3:30 p.m.

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The City School District of Albany serves almost 9,400 students in 19 elementary, middle and high schools. The district includes several magnet schools and programs, as well as other innovative academic opportunities for students in addition to neighborhood schools. The district is more than halfway through its comprehensive facilities project to newly build and/or renovate nearly all of its elementary and middle schools. The ultimate goal of the facilities project is to provide schools with the resources necessary to help students succeed in the 21st Century.