City School District of Albany



		Albany High School Abrookin Career and Technical Center Alternative Learning Center Stephen and Harriet Myers Middle School William S. Hackett Middle School North Albany Academy (PK-8) Albany School of Humanities (ASH) Arbor Hill Elementary School Delaware Community School Eagle Point Elementary School Giffen Memorial Elementary School Montessori Magnet School New Scotland Elementary School Philip J. Schuyler Achievement Academy Pine Hills Elementary School Sheridan Preparatory Academy Thomas O'Brien Academy of Science and Technology (TOAST)

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The latest news ...

School budget vote Tuesday

$213 million proposal within state tax limit

Albany residents will vote Tuesday on a proposed $212.9 million budget for the 2013-14 school year. The budget includes a proposed 2.95 percent increase in the tax levy, which is within the district's state-mandated "cap" of 3.36 percent.

The final budget proposal that the City School District of Albany Board of Education approved unanimously April 11 takes advantage of an increase in state aid to provide additional classroom support for students, including Albany High School freshmen, and boost technology resources at all levels. Visit our 2013-14 Budget News section to read more.

Re-Imagining Albany High School

June 10 forum, survey continue planning steps

The City School District of Albany, in its continued partnership with the community to develop a vision for the future of high school education in our city, invites all residents to participate in a community forum Monday, June 10.

“Re-Imagining Albany High School: A Town Hall Meeting” will be held from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at William S. Hackett Middle School, located at 45 Delaware Ave. A panel of district representatives will lead a conversation about the academic, social-emotional and extracurricular programs that will best serve all students in the decades to come.

All community members also are invited to complete an online survey to provide additional input that will help guide the planning for a new or renovated high school. Visit our Redesigning Albany High School section to read more.

Superintendent lauds Mayor Jennings'

partnership, leadership

City School District of Albany Superintendent Marguerite Vanden Wyngaard, Ph.D., praised Mayor Gerald D. Jennings as a strong partner to the school district Wednesday following the mayor's announcement that he will not seek re-election this year.

"In the short time that I have been here, I have come to appreciate Mayor Jennings’ commitment to working together with our schools to help us improve opportunities for all of our students," Dr. Vanden Wyngaard said. Visit our From the Superintendent section to read more from Dr. Vanden Wyngaard about Albany High School's former vice principal.

Albany High senior recognized

among top American scholars

Albany High School senior June Criscione has been recognized as one of 141 U.S. Presidential Scholars nationally and just five in New York state. U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan announced the members of the 49^th class of U.S. Presidential Scholars on May 6.

Criscione is the top-ranked student in the Albany High Class of 2013. Both she and Albany High’s second-ranked student, Hillel Adler, will attend Harvard University in the fall. Visit our District News section to read more.

Albany High trio named '2013 Scholars'

Three Albany High School students were honored Wednesday at the 2013 Scholars' Recognition Dinner.

June Criscione, Kayli McTague and Malcolm Porterfield were among high school seniors from 11 neighboring counties nominated by their schools for outstanding academic achievement, leadership skills, and service to the community and their schools.

Besides lauding the students, the Scholars' Recognition Dinner spotlights the teachers who they say have influenced them most. For Criscione, that was math teacher Margot Plumadore. For McTague, it was French teacher Carol DiNovo. And for Porterfield, it was English teacher Loren Green. (MORE)

Albany High student essay

wins Junior Achievement contest

When Ed Murray read the first sentence of Shaquilla Scott’s essay, he knew it was a winner:

“’Go to school. Make something of yourself. You don’t want to end up like me, broke and uneducated.’ – my mother”

Murray is president of Junior Achievement of Northeastern New York. Scott is an Albany High School senior who took part in Junior Achievement through her business explorations program and won the essay contest entitled “My Quest to Achieve the American Dream.” (Scott, holding the pennant, is pictured with, from left, teacher Diann Scialdo and Junior Achievement's Ed Murray and Cathy Eliseo.) (MORE)

Spring concert season is here

Music lovers will have plenty of opportunities to hear talented students perform this spring at a variety of concerts in the City School District of Albany.

The spring concert season opened May 8 and runs through June 13. Elementary and middle school concerts will feature performances by students in band, orchestra and chorus.

At the high school, in three performances, concert-goers will hear from two concert bands, two concert orchestras, four choirs, a string quartet and a jazz band. (MORE)

Abrookin Spa Day featured on local TV

Check out “Spa Day: A Television Special” each Saturday in May from 6-7 p.m. on Channel Albany-Channel 18.

This story highlights Albany High School's Cosmetology Program at Abrookin Career and Technical Center. The show is produced and hosted by Donald "The Soul Man" Hyman, a staff member at the Alternative Learning Center. WNYT/Ch. 13 also featured Spa Day earlier this year.

Students create winning essays,

posters about hunger awareness

City School District of Albany students fared well in poster and essay contests to raise awareness about issues of hunger and poverty.

Winning essays were penned by Indian McCain, Morgan Johnson and Sophia Goldsmith, all sixth-graders at William S. Hackett Middle School.

And winning posters were designed by Neo Gumabay, a sixth-grader at Giffen Memorial Elementary School, Santos Otero, an eighth-grader at Hackett, and Damir Oliver, an eighth-grader at North Albany Academy. (MORE)

Albany High select choir earns highest marks

They sang three pieces of extraordinarily challenging music at the most difficult level. And the judges gave their performance the highest possible rating.

Led by Director Brendan Hoffman, Albany High School's Select Choir earned a "gold with distinction" rating -- the highest given to any performing group -- at the New York State School Music Association's Choral Festival on May 2. (MORE)

Albany High video talent

tapped for Proctors festival

After hard work throughout the year, 12 Albany High School students are hitting the big screen.

Teacher Mark Sickler has prepared these students in his video production class and guided them to a huge event – the Media Arts Festival at Proctors.

The festival, slated for May 21, reveals the skills of young local artists working in the media arts: animation, digital illustration, filmmaking, interactive journalism and experimental media. Artists in middle school, high school, and college were invited to submit their media for exhibition in this exciting arts festival. (MORE)

Superintendent, students join

Capital South groundbreaking celebration

City School District of Albany Superintendent Marguerite Vanden Wyngaard, Ph.D., and students from Albany High School and Giffen Memorial Elementary School joined a large group of community leaders and residents May 2 to celebrate the long-awaited start of construction for the Capital South Campus Center.

When it opens next year, the Capital South Campus Center will be an education and training resource for the entire community.

"Collaboration, cooperation and powerful partnerships are the essence of strong and vibrant communities," said Dr. Vanden Wyngaard (pictured above with members of the Giffen Outreach Community Choir). "The Capital South Campus Center embodies this spirit." Visit our District News section to read more.

Albany High inducts 54

into National Honor Society

Albany High School inducted 54 juniors into its Arista Chapter of the National Honor Society on April 30.

To be eligible for induction, students must maintain an overall academic average of 89.5 or higher. Albany High’s Arista Chapter was formed in 1957 and admitted 15 students in its first group of inductees. Visit our District News section to read more about the Class of 2014 inductees.

District re-affirms commitment

to diversity training for staff, students

City School District of Albany Superintendent Marguerite Vanden Wyngaard, Ph.D., joined representatives from the Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York and the Anti-Defamation League for a news conference April 12 to address what she described as “an unacceptable error in judgment” regarding a writing assignment at Albany High School.

“This assignment for some of our students at Albany High School was completely unacceptable," Dr. Vanden Wyngaard said. "It displayed a level of insensitivity that we absolutely will not tolerate in our school community. I am deeply apologetic to all of our students, all of our families and the entire community."

Visit our From the Superintendent section to read Dr. Vanden Wyngaard's entire statement.

Online payment for school meals now available

You can pay online for your child’s school meals and keep track of his or her account balance thanks to a new program being offered to City School District of Albany families.

Through Parent Account Management Systems – or PayPAMS – you also can set up automatic payment plans, make single payments and get e-mail reminders if your child’s account balance is low.

There is no cost to register, browse the website and check your child’s account balance in this secure and convenient system. However, you will be charged a $1.95 service fee each time you make an online payment. Payments through PayPAMS go directly into your child’s meal account in the school cafeteria. (MORE)

Community swimming at Myers Middle School

Community swimming is back at Stephen and Harriet Myers Middle School this school year.

The Myers pool is open to adults 50 and over on Monday evenings and to families on Wednesday evenings. For the family swim night on Wednesdays, participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and swimming is from 6-8 p.m. The locker room closes at 8:30 p.m. both nights.

Myers Middle School is located at 100 Elbel Court off of Whitehall Road.

Calendar showcases extraordinary students

There's no shortage of great kids taking part in the great programs offered by the City School District of Albany.

That's why we once again are proud to highlight 24 outstanding students in the 2012-13 school calendar. Click here to learn more about the students featured in the calendar and what makes each a standout.

Important safety tips
for families to review with children

The safety of our students is a top priority in the City School District of Albany. We would like to remind parents of important safety tips to review with the entire family.

These tips are intended to keep children safe while they are walking, biking or riding a bus, as well as anytime they are out in the community without parental supervision. (MORE)

Information about pesticide use

The City School District of Albany will provide information to parents, guardians and staff who want to receive advance notice about pesticide use.

The district uses pesticides as a last resort. And when pesticides are used, the district practices Integrated Pest Management (IPM) -- a process for managing, preventing and suppressing pests with minimal impact on human health and the environment. The district hires outside pest-control contractors who are required to follow IPM procedures. IPM is most successful when teachers, students, employees and contractors work together.

If you would like to be notified of pesticide use in the district, please contact the Buildings and Grounds Office at 475-6160 to request a notification form, or click here to download the form.

Asbestos plan notification

The City School District of Albany has a management plan to identify and manage asbestos building materials in accordance with the EPA Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act of 1987 (40 CFR Part 763).

Asbestos abatement projects were completed during the building and renovation of district elementary and middle schools. Also, asbestos abatement was undertaken this summer at Albany High School and Abrookin Career and Technical Center.

In all cases, the district posted specific notices in buildings where asbestos abatement took place.

Periodic inspections are done every six months. The triennial re-inspection that reviews and updates the asbestos management plan for all district buildings will be completed in the summer of 2013.

The asbestos management plan is kept on file at the district’s administrative headquarters in Academy Park. These records are available for review. For more information, contact Director of Buildings and Grounds Anthony Catalfamo at 475-6160.

Building inspection reports available

In 2010 a team of architects conducted a building-condition inspection of all school buildings in the City School District of Albany.

This inspection is conducted every five years; reports for each building are available for review. To receive a copy or for additional information, call the Buildings and Grounds Office at 475-6160.

2013-14 School Calendar

2012-13 School Calendar

May at a glance

June at a glance

2012-13 Contract for Excellence

Subfinder

Staff E-mail Login

Rubicon Atlas

Staff PDExpress Login

PowerSchool Parent Portal Login

Technology Help Desk

Look up your school taxes

Mark your calendar Upcoming events(visit each school's page for more listings)

5/17	*Deadline to register for modified (grades 7-8) fall sports (Details)*
5/17	*Albany High baseball-Albany PAL Little League Coaches vs. Cancer Game vs. LaSalle, Plumeri Sports Complex, 6 p.m. (Details)*
5/18	Albany PAL/Albany Police Department Bike Rodeo, Albany Public Safety Building, 165 Henry Johnson Blvd., 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
5/18	*Albany NAACP Health Symposium, Giffen Memorial Elementary School, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (Details)*
5/20	General prekindergarten and kindergarten registration begins
5/21	SCHOOL BUDGET VOTE
5/21	Arbor Hill Elementary School Spring Concert, 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.
5/21	Eagle Point Elementary School Spring Concert, 7 p.m.
5/22	Thomas O'Brien Academy of Science and Technology (TOAST) Spring Concert, 6:30 p.m.
5/23	Board of Education meeting, Montessori Magnet School, 7 p.m.
5/24	No school -- unused snow day
5/27	Memorial Day, no school
5/29	Albany High School Spring Concert (Albanettes, Men's Ensemble, String Quartet, Jazz Band), 7 p.m.
5/30	Albany High Awards Night, 6:30 p.m.
5/30	Montessori Magnet School Spring Concert, 7 p.m.
5/30	Sheridan Preparatory Academy Spring Concert, 6 p.m.
6/3	New York State science written exams, grades 4 and 8
6/3	Albany High School Spring Concert (Symphonic Band, Vocal Music, Orchestra), 7 p.m.
6/4	Albany High School Spring Concert (Wind Ensemble, Advanced Orchestra, Select Choir), 7 p.m.
6/4	Delaware Community School Writing Celebration and Poetry Slam, 5 p.m.
6/4	Schuyler Achievement Academy Spring Open House, 5 p.m.
6/4	Schuyler Achievement Academy Spring Concert, 6 p.m.
6/5	Albany High School Athletic Banquet, Polish Community Center of Albany, 225 Washington Ave., 6 p.m.
6/5	Albany School of Humanities (ASH) Spring Concert, 9 a.m.and 7 p.m.
6/6	Board of Education meeting, Pine Hills Elementary School, 7 p.m.
6/6	Sheridan Preparatory Academy Spring Open House, 6 p.m.
6/6	Stephen and Harriet Myers Middle School Spring Concert, 7 p.m.
6/8	Eagle Point Elementary School Community Day, noon-3 p.m.
6/10	*Re-Imagining Albany High School: A Town Hall Meeting, William S. Hackett Middle School, 6:30-8:30 p.m. (Details)*
6/11	Regents exams
6/11	Pine Hills Elementary School Prekindergarten Graduation, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
6/11	Pine Hills Elementary School School Kindergarten Celebration, 10-11 a.m.
6/12	Regents exams
6/13	Regents exams
6/13	Albany School of Humanities (ASH) Prekindergarten Graduation, 9 a.m.
6/13	Pine Hills Elementary School Spring Concert, 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.
6/14	Regents exams
6/14	Albany School of Humanities (ASH) Kindergarten Blast-Off, 9 a.m.
6/14	Delaware Community School Dual-Language Prekindergarten Moving Up, 10:30 a.m.
6/14	Delaware Community School Prekindergarten Moving Up, 2 p.m.
6/14	Giffen Memorial Elementary School Prekindergarten Graduation, 9:30 a.m.
6/14	New Scotland Elementary School Kindergarten Moving Up, 10 a.m.
6/14	North Albany Academy Kindergarten Rodeo and Picnic, 9:30 a.m.
6/14	Thomas O'Brien Academy of Science and Technollgy (TOAST) Prekindergarten Family Celebration, 10:30- 11:45 a.m.
6/14	Thomas O'Brien Academy of Science and Technology (TOAST)Kindergarten Family Celebration, noon-1:15 p.m.
6/17	Regents exams
6/17	Sheridan Preparatory Academy Prekindergarten Moving Up, 9 a.m.
6/18	Regents exams
6/18	Arbor Hill Elementary School Kindergarten Moving Up, 10 a.m.
6/18	Eagle Point Elementary School Prekindergarten Graduation, 9:30 a.m.
6/18	Giffen Memorial Elementary School Kindergarten Graduation, 9:30 a.m.
6/18	New Scotland Elementary School Prekindergarten Moving Up, 10 a.m.
6/18	Sheridan Preparatory Academy Kindergarten Graduation, 9 a.m.
6/19	Regents exams
6/19	Albany School of Humanities (ASH) Grade 6 Graduation, 6:30 p.m.
6/19	Arbor Hill Elementary School Prekindergarten Moving Up, 10 a.m.
6/19	Delaware Community School Kindergarten Celebration, 10 a.m.
6/19	Eagle Point Elementary School Kindergarten Graduation, 9:30 a.m.
6/19	Eagle Point Elementary School Grade 6 Graduation, 6:30 p.m.
6/19	Pine Hills Elementary School Grade 6 Moving Up, 10 a.m.
6/19	Schuyler Achievement Academy Prekindergarten and Kindergarten Moving Up, 10 a.m.
6/19	Sheridan Preparatory Academy Grade 5 Graduation, 9 a.m.
6/20	Regents exams
6/20	All elementary schools and North Albany Academy, half day of school
6/20	Stephen and Harriet Myers Middle School and William S. Hackett Middle School, last day of classes
6/20	Board of Education meeting, Thomas O'Brien Academy of Science and Technology (TOAST), 7 p.m.
6/21	All elementary schools and North Albany Academy, half day of school and last day of school
6/21	Delaware Community School Grade 5 Moving Up at Hackett, 2 p.m.
6/21	North Albany Academy Grade 8 Moving Up, 9 a.m.
6/21	Stephen and Harriet Myers Middle School Grade 8 Graduation, 10 a.m.
6/21	William S. Hackett Middle School Grade 8 Graduation, 9 a.m.
6/23	Albany High School graduation, UAlbany SEFCU Arena, 2 p.m.
7/20	2013 Summer Celebration, Krank Park, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
9/9	Classes begin for the 2013-14 school year