News and events - 12/22/23

Albany High School Falcon logo

Greetings, Falcon families!

News of the week

  • Holiday recess through New Year's Day ... – Albany High (and all City School District of Albany schools) will be closed Dec. 25-Jan. 1 for holiday recess, with all students returning on Tuesday, Jan. 2. Have a happy and safe vacation!
  • ... but our Online Success Center is open during break – Improve first quarter grades over the holiday break. The Online Success Center will be open Dec 26-29 in the library. from 9 a.m. to noon. Learn more.
  • Food pantry closed during break – Our food pantry will be closed Dec. 25-Jan. 1.
  • Curriculum Night rescheduled to Jan. 3 – Come see what courses our school has to offer for the 2024-25 school year on Wednesday, Jan. 3 in the auditorium at 5 p.m, Explore curriculum and course options, and discover exciting electives and pathways. This evening will provide information to assist in planning student schedules for next year.
  • Tell us what you think about our school (through Jan. 5– The City School District of Albany would like your input in our annual family engagement survey. Each school has a customized survey, which you can access from our website. The survey only takes a few minutes to complete, and the feedback you provide will play a vital role in our school improvement efforts.
  • 'Hamilton' Singalong Night – Sing along with your favorite tunes from "Hamilton" at this Theater Ensemble fundraiser on Jan 12 at 4:30 p.m. Tickets are each $5 and include bottomless popcorn (other refreshments also will be available for purchase). Buy tickets from theater teacher Brian Avery or stop by the Theater Ensemble table during lunch periods Jan. 2-5. Maximum of 50 attendees.
  • Attention seniors and their families – The Guidance Department will host two working sessions for families needing assistance completing applications for the Free Application for Student Aid, or FAFSA, and the Tuition Assistance Program, or TAP – both of which help determine whether a student is eligible for college financial aid. Sessions are Jan. 18 and Feb. 15; registration required. Learn more
  • Attention sophomores and juniors and their families – On Jan. 24, the Guidance Department will host a College Information Night for 10th and 11th-grade families in the auditorium at 6 p.m. The event will include an overview of the college search and application process. Anyone who is considering post-high school education, whether it is at a four-year or two-year college, a business college, or technical school should attend. Learn more.
  • Holiday pep rally – We kicked off the holiday break Friday afternoon with a pep rally showcasing winter athletes and more. Learn more.
  • Bowling highlights – The Falcons felled 3,053 pins in their competition against Troy on Thursday. Check out the action here.
  • Wrestling: Now a sport for everyone – Forget shattering glass ceilings. This school year, our female student-athletes are tearing up the mat. Check out this story about girls' varsity wrestling, the district's 64th and newest interscholastic sport.
  • Best Buddies rock the holidays – Best Buddies hung out for holiday treats and games on Wednesday before heading to Round Lake to check out the festive holiday lights at Santa’s Playland at Quick Response. Learn more.
  • Merry and bright – On Wednesday, students in Erica Cubello’s art classes at Albany High School sold pinecone ornaments to their classmates and others looking for beautifully decorated holiday baubles. Learn more.
  • Spa Day beautiful – Family, friends and community members packed the cosmetology suite last Saturday for a Holiday Spa Day. Cosmetology and barbering students provided all manner of spa services – cuts, color, lashes and more – in a festive setting complete with holiday music and decorations. Learn more.
  • Knockout presentation – Last Friday, we hosted a group of nurse anesthetists who held a series of “Lunch and Learn” sessions about their profession. Students had the chance to insert a breathing tube into a medical mannequin and learn about the medications used during surgery to maintain patients in a sedated state. Learn more.

Upcoming events

  • Monday, Dec. 25-Monday, Jan. 1 – No school, holiday recess
  • Tuesday, Dec. 26-Friday, Dec. 29 – Online Success Center open, library, 9 a.m.-noon. Learn more.
  • Tuesday, Jan. 2 – Back to school
  • Wednesday, Jan. 3 – Curriculum Night, auditorium, 5 p.m. Learn more.
  • Friday, Jan. 12 – "Hamilton" singalong, auditorium, 4:30-7:30 p.m.
  • Monday, Jan. 15 – No school, Martin Luther King Jr. Day
  • Tuesday, Jan. 16 – PTSA meeting, library or attend remotely, 5:30 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Jan. 17 – Booster club meeting, library, 6 p.m. Learn more.
  • Thursday, Jan. 18 – College financial aid form assistance help session, appointment required. Learn more.
  • Tuesday, Jan. 23-Friday, Jan. 26 – Regents exams; only students taking exams need to report to school. Get a schedule.
  • Tuesday, Jan. 23 – Music teacher concert, auditorium, 6:30 p.m. Stay tuned for details.
  • Wednesday, Jan. 24 – College Information Night, auditorium, 6 p.m. Learn more.

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.
  • 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.