News and events - 12/1/23

Albany High School Falcon logo

Greetings, Falcon families!

News of the week

  • Catch some Falcon holiday spirit Friday (tonight) – Members of the Select Choir will be singing holiday tunes, our Culinary Program bakers will be sharing homemade goodies and our Junior ROTC will be keeping things running smoothly at the City of Albany's tree lighting at City Hall on Friday (tonight) from 5-8 p.m. 
  • Fill out those forms! – Each year, we ask parents and guardians to complete several important agreements and consent forms online. Please fill out the forms if you haven't done so already! Learn more.
  • Meet the Coaches Night on Monday – Parents/guardians of winter athletes are encouraged to attend a meeting next Monday, Dec. 4, at 5:30 p.m. in the auditorium. This is for parents/guardians of athletes on any team for the 2023-24 season. Athletes do not need to attend.
  • Explore next year's courses – We will host a curriculum fair at 5 p.m. next Tuesday in the auditorium, and students and families can hear about the exciting courses the school will offer in the 2024-25 school year. Scheduling starts soon! Learn more.
  • HVCC Instant Admission Day Tuesday –Meet one-on-one with an admissions counselor next Tuesday, Dec. 5, from noon-4 p.m. at the HVCC Capital South Campus Center on Warren Street. Learn more
  • Sounds of the season Wednesday – Our first winter concert is next Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium, and will feature the Advance Orchestra, Select Choir and Wind Ensemble. Experience our talent! 
  • Bring up grades online – Albany High students can now bring up their first-quarter grades at the Online Success Center. All students with at least 85% attendance are welcome to sign up. Please note that as of this year, 65% is the highest new grade possible. See Mr. Vacanti in room 1311 or email tvacanti@albany.k12.ny.us for more information.
  • Food pantry this week – The school food pantry behind the Citizenship Office is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 3:45-5:30 p.m. or by appointment. This week: eggs and Chobani single serve yogurts; Thomas' English muffins, potato hamburger rolls and everything bagels; chili tortilla chips; mac-and-cheese-with-bacon ready-made meals.
  • Help our food pantry – We are in desperate need of the following new hygiene items for students and families who visit our pantry: deodorant, body wash, toothbrushes, toothpaste, sanitary napkins, shampoo and lip balm. Drop off during food pantry hours (3:45-5:30 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday) or on Dec. 19 from 4-6:30 p.m.
  • Spring musical auditions Dec. 11-12 – The Theater Ensemble will hold auditions  Dec. 11 and 12 for its spring musical, "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee," which will run March 8-10. Auditions are 4-7 p.m. in room 4200. Students are required to attend only one audition day. Sign up here.
  • Bowling team ready to roll – The Falcons kicked off their season Thursday with a match against Niskayuna. Congrats to sophomore Devin Moulden on his 687 series and senior Oliver Kent's 246 high game. Highlights  from a practice this week can be found here.
  • Finding a social justice mission – Seniors taking Civics and Public Engagement spent class Wednesday at a community partner fair in the library, where they met one-to-one with representatives from a dozen local advocacy organizations. Learn more.
  • Falcons soar academically - Before breaking for Thanksgiving Recess, we celebrated our Quarter 1 Honor Roll and Principal's List recipients with snacks, Falcon bling and certificates. Pictures, plus a list of the Q1 scholars, can be found here.

Upcoming events

  • Friday, Dec. 1
    • Last day to order a fresh holiday wreath for our PTSA fundraiser. Learn more.
    • City of Albany official tree lighting, featuring Select Choir, Culinary Program bakers and Junior ROTC, City Hall, 5-8 p.m.   
  • Saturday, Dec. 2 – SAT exam, 7:45 a.m.
  • Wednesday, Dec. 6 – Winter concert featuring Advanced Orchestra, Select Choir and and Wind Ensemble, auditorium, 6:30 p.m.
  • Monday, Dec. 11 – Spring musical auditions, room 4200 (choir room), 4-7 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Dec. 12 – Spring musical auditions, room 4200 (choir room), 4-7 p.m.
  • Monday Dec. 11-Thursday, Dec. 14 – Last chance senior portraits
  • Wednesday, Dec. 13 – Winter concert featuring String Orchestra, Symphonic Band and Vocal Music, auditorium, 6:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, Dec. 16 – Holiday Spa Day, cosmetology suite, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Dec. 19 – "Morning of Kindness" food pantry donation drop-off, 4-6:30 p.m.
  • Monday, Dec. 25-Monday, Jan. 1 – No school, holiday recess
  • Tuesday, Jan. 2 – Back to school

Important reminders

  • Next Gen Barbers is open for business – Students, staff and community members can get haircuts Thursday and Friday afternoons from from 1:15-2:45 p.m. at Abrookin. Cost is free for students, $5 for staff and $10 for community members, and an appointment is required. Learn more.
  • Student ID reminder – Please see this important information about student ID cards.
  • Join an after-school club – There’s something for EVERYONE at Albany High – including some 35 after-school clubs and activities! Take a look at the full list and find your passion!
  • Free salon services for 55+ – Attention Albany residents age 55 and up: Get free beauty services from aspiring beauticians every Thursday at Albany High! Learn more.
  • Leaving school – Albany High School is a closed campus. Students are not allowed to leave campus for any reason without parent permission. This includes during lunch and study hall. If a student has an appointment, i.e. doctor, medical, family matter, etc., they must have a note or phone call from a parent giving permission to leave. All students also must be signed out by a parent in order to leave school grounds. Students who leave campus without a valid reason will not be allowed to re-enter without parent contact.
  • Traveling to and from Abrookin – All students must take the bus to and from Abrookin Career and Technical Center and the main campus for any classes. This will prevent students from being late and having to go back through security, and ensure student safety. Students who do not take the bus will not be allowed to re-enter without parent contact.  The bus is available at Building 2, Stair 2-2 and at the Abrookin entrance.