Hello, and happy Monday!
I hope everyone had a great weekend and spent a little time enjoying the beautiful warm weather we continue to have! It is hard to believe we are already starting the second full week of the school year. Friday's "clap-in," celebrating the end of our first full week, was a very enjoyable moment for all of us. Staff divided among the three entry points of the building and warmly welcomed our students into the building with smiles and applause. Also on Friday, we held our back-to-school barbecue, which is always a favorite of all students and staff. I would like to thank our PTA parents who assisted and supported this school function, as well as Stewart's Ice Cream shop for donating the ice cream sundaes.
Last Thursday marked the 24th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks on our country. On this day, we took time to honor and remember the lives lost and the heroes who also emerged on that day. Students from one of our eighth grade social studies classes came over the PA system on two separate occasions (representing the two planes crashing into the towers) to provide a reflection of this event and its significance on our nation's history.
The NWEA Fall Math Assessment will be administered to all students (except our English-language learners) this Tuesday (9/16) during periods 1-4. On Friday (9/19), we will administer the NWEA Fall Math assessment to all English-language learners. Time will also be allocated on Sept. 19 for all other NWEA Math make-ups.
We will kck off Spirit Week celebrations this Friday by resuming our Friday Fun Day themes, beginning with “Mix and Match Day.” Let's be sure to show our school spirit by wearing outfits that intentionally do not match. We will continue to celebrate each Friday in a different way to boost school pride and add a little fun to our week. This is a great way to build healthy relationships and look forward to the weekend!
Student ID badges have been printed for all students. Students who did not receive an ID should inform their homeroom teacher. A replacement for a lost or stolent ID will cost $5 and can be obtained in the main office.
Open House is scheduled for Thursday evening, Sept. 25, beginning at 6 p.m. We invite you to participate and gain direct insight into our school environment, become informed about the curriculum, and foster a collaborative relationship with your child's teachers. Parents/guardians will attend all of their child's nine (Day 1) class periods as indicated on their schedule Each period will be 10 minutes long. Please be reminded, the purpose of this time is for you to review classroom expectations, grading policies, content to be covered, contact information, etc. Feel free to email a teacher at a later time with any specific questions or if you wish to discuss your child in more detail.
The City School District of Albany is seeking parents or guardians to serve on the district-wide Health and Safety Committee, which monitors the condition of all buildings to assure they are safe and maintained properly. Visit our website to learn more. The deadline to apply is Sept. 26.
Get ready to run for an awesome cause! Join us for the 11th Albany Booster Club Falcon 5K and Fun Run in Washington Park on Sunday, Oct. 5. Runners and walkers of all ages are invited to participate in this exciting event! You can run as an individual participant or join a team. Online registration for the 5K run/walk is open and the first 200 adult registrants will receive a free t-shirt. Visit our website to sign up or learn more.
Our Extended Day Program is set to begin on Tuesday, Oct. 14 and will run through June. This after-school program takes place Monday-Thursday from 3-5:30 p.m. and includes a free snack and free door-to-door bus transportation home. Programs include swimming, cooking, judo, cosmetology, dance, arts and crafts, yearbook and more! Applications are available at the Attendance Desk in the main foyer. Completed forms should be returned to the Main Office, and any specific questions should be directed to Ms. Lewis at dlewis2@albany.k12.ny.us.
Stay connected!
Check out our website and Facebook page in addition to my weekly emails. You also can reach out to us at (518) 475-6475.
Now for our 'Don't Snooze and Lose News'
Besides the items listed above, please make a note of the following information:
- There will be no school on Tuesday, Sept. 23 for Rosh Hashana.
- There will be no school on Thursday, Oct. 2 for Yom Kippur
- Next month's PTA meeting will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 8 at 6:30 p.m.
- First quarter interim grades close on Friday, Oct. 10
- There will be no school on Monday, Oct. 13 in observance of Columbus/Indigenous Peoples' Day.
- School Picture Day(s) – what every parent anticipates with joy and every student dreads! This year's dates are Oct. 15 and 16 and will take place during your child's physical education class. ISmile Studios will provide more information as we get closer to the day.
- Save the date! Our first round of parent/teacher conferences will take place on Thursday, Oct. 23 and Friday, Oct. 24. Details to follow!
Important reminders
We have new rules in place about student cell phone use in school. You can get more information about the rules here.
As a reminder, speed cameras are operational and intended to help enforce the city's 20 mph speed limit in school zones. Fines are $50 per offense. Please help keep our school communities, students and staff safe and adhere to these speed zones on your daily commute.
We will hold emergency response drills throughout the school year. The safety of everyone in our school community is extremely important. Holding these practice drills, including lockdown drills, is crucial to our overall emergency planning. Before we practice a drill, we teach students, faculty and staff about the procedures to follow in an emergency.
Hackett Corner Quotes
"You can disagree without being disagreeable." – Ruth Bader Ginsburg