Hello, and happy Monday!
I hope everyone had a great weekend and was able to get out and enjoy the amazing warm weather we continue to have! Although the mornings can feel a bit crisp and the days are shorter, this time of year has easily become known as “pumpkin spice” season because of the widespread availability and consumption of everything pumpkin spice! I hope you are taking advantage of and enjoying all the warmth and coziness the fall season brings!
This month we celebrate Columbus Day, the national holiday commemorating Christopher Columbus' arrival in the Americas. At the same time, we celebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day and the positive impact they have made on American society. We honor the customs and heritage of Indigenous people, who were here long before colonization of the Americas began, and remember their resilience and strength. This month we also celebrate National Hispanic-American Heritage Month and pay tribute to the generations of Hispanic Americans who have positively influenced and enriched our nation and society.
October is also Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a chance to show support for the more than 2 million women around the world who are diagnosed with the disease each year. Learn more about breast cancer awareness and get information about breast cancer screening and free breast cancer screening and diagnostic services for uninsured people.
Our October PTA meeting will be held at 7 p.m. this Wednesday (10/8) in room 112. This month's later start time is due to a scheduling conflict. Can't make the meeting in person? Join us virtually at this link.
Your involvement helps support the well-being and educational success of our children as well as our school community. We hope you will consider attending one of our upcoming meetings and sharing your thoughts for providing all students with a safe and supportive learning environment.
Reminer: Anyone interested in joining the Hackett Ski Club should plan to attend a meeting this Wednesday (10/8) at 6:15 p.m. in the cafeteria. If you have questions, email sarahvdief@gmail.com.
Our Extended Day Program is set to begin next 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.
The first round of parent-teacher conferences will be held on Thursday, Oct. 23 from 3:30-6:30 p.m. and again on Friday, Oct. 24 from noon-3 p.m. Team teachers will begin identifying students in need of a parent-teacher meeting and contacting parents to set up a time to meet. However, if you have not been contacted and have concerns you would like to discuss with your child's team, please feel free to email your child's teacher(s) to set up a time.
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:
- First quarter interim grades close this Friday (10/10).
- Don't forget! All City School District of Albany schools will dismiss 15 minutes early this Friday to participate in the annual Go Home Early emergency preparedness drill. The State Education Department requires all schools to conduct this test each year. All after-school activities will be canceled. However, student-athletes will be permitted to return their athletic venues at 3:15 p.m. (modified teams) and 3:45 p.m. (Albany High School teams).
- Albany High will hold its annual Homecoming Parade this Saturday at noon. Stop by to cheer on our athletes!
- 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.
- Next month's PTA meeting will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 5 at 6:30 p.m.
- First quarter grades close on Friday, Nov. 7.
- The first Teen Night of the school year is Friday, Nov. 7 at 6:30 p.m.
- There will be no school on Tuesday, Nov. 11 in observance of Veterans Day.
- School picture retakes are scheduled the morning of Friday, Nov. 14.
- There will be no school Wednesday, Nov. 26-Friday, Nov. 26 for Thanksgiving break. School will resume on Monday, Dec. 1.
Important reminders
Our school district recently joined with Mayor Sheehan and transportation partners to announce stop-arm cameras on all First Student (yellow) buses, an important new initiative to improve traffic safety for our students and our community. Beginning Oct. 20, BusPatrol will issue citations for violations captured on the bus cameras, with fines as much as $300 being paid to the city.
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
"At the end of the day, we can endure much more than we think we can." – Frida Kahlo