NO SCHOOL TUESDAY: Veterans Day
Happy Monday to all!
I hope everyone had a good weekend and found time to relax and recharge, especially as we inch closer to the holidays! Please note, today begins a short week, as there will be no school tomorrow, Nov. 11, in observance of Veterans Day. We want to take a moment to thank service members for their sacrifices, for their valor, for protecting us and for defending our rights. We remain mindful of those who gave all for our daily freedoms and rights.
Our first Teen Night of the school year took place last Friday evening and was a big success! It was very well attended, and students enjoyed participating in the dancing and multiple activities throughout the building. We extend our sincere appreciation to all who volunteered their time or donated through Givebacks. Your support helped make this event a memorable night!
Please note, school picture retakes will take place this Friday morning (11/14) in the library. As a reminder, please be sure to enter your child’s access code to find your photos at ismilestudios.gotphoto.com. If you have any questions or do not know your code, please contact iSmile Studios directly at (518) 435-1146.
The first of four Fallen Chandelier Production performances of "Hadestown: Teen Edition" opens this Friday (11/14) in the Hackett auditorium at 7 p.m. Additional shows, all at 7 p.m., will take place this Saturday and the following Friday (11/21) and Saturday (11/22). The show will feature students from Hackett, Albany High School, Albany School of Humanities and North Albany Middle School, along with students from other area schools. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for students. Buy tickets online or at the door. Questions? Email fachastage@gmail.com.
If your student is playing a winter sport, make sure you or they turn in the required forms before Nov. 24. Get more information here.
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:
- Our next Friday Fun Day will take place on Nov. 21 and the theme will be hats! Let's show our school spirit by wearing our favorite hat to school! We will continue to celebrate each Friday Fun Day in a different way in order to boost school pride and add a little fun to our week.
- Attention eighth-graders and families: Albany High School academy lottery applications are available! The deadline to apply for admission into one of the school’s four themed academies is Tuesday, Nov. 25.
- There will be no school Wednesday, Nov. 26-Friday, Nov. 26 for Thanksgiving Recess. Classes will resume on Monday, Dec. 1.
- Join us to celebrate the sounds (and tastes!) of the season at our annual Winter Concert and PTA Dessert Auction on Tuesday, Dec. 9 at 6:30 p.m.
- Our first quarter Honor Roll Ceremony will take place on Wednesday, Dec. 10 at 8:30 a.ml. in the auditorium.
- Interim grades for the second term close on Friday, Dec. 12.
- There will be no school Wednesday, Dec. 24-Friday, Jan. 2 for Holiday Recess. Classes will resume on Monday, Jan. 5.
Important reminders
Attention student skiers, snowboarders and those who want to learn either or both! Ski Club is preparing for the upcoming season. Interested students can pick up the paperwork in room 112. Year after year, our students benefit from building confidence and new skills, enhancing social skills and improving their overall physical fitness. Ski Club also offers a more affordable way to enjoy skiing and snowboarding through our group discounts.
Our Extended Day Program has begun! 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 program runs through June.
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. 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
"Find gratitude in the little things and your well of gratitude will never run dry." – Antonia Montoya