Happy Monday to all!
I hope everyone enjoyed the weekend and found time to get some rest and relaxation! This is our last full week of school in the month of November, as next week brings us a short week due to Thanksgiving recess.
This Wednesday (11/19), we will be implementing the second of our Early Release Days. Students will be dismissed from school at 12:30 p.m. so that faculty and staff can attend professional development sessions in the afternoon. Please note that on Wednesday, we will have a modified bell schedule. Students will report to all nine class periods, with the exception being that each class time will be reduced by several minutes per period.
The deadline to register for modified (grades 7-8) winter sports closes this Friday (11/21). Sign up your student athlete today! Modified sports physicals for the winter or spring season will be offered at Hackett this Thursday (11/20) from 10 a.m.-noon in the health office, and practices/tryouts begin Nov. 24 (next Monday).
This week's Friday Fun Day theme is "Hat Day." Let's show our school spirit by wearing our favorite hat to school! We will continue to celebrate Friday Fund Day a different way each week in order to boost school pride, add a little fun to our week, build healthy relationships and get ready for the weekend!
This weekend is your last chance to see Fallen Chandelier Production performances of "Hadestown: Teen Edition." Shows will take place 7 p.m. in the school auditorium this 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.
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:
- 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.
- Our first Friday Fun Day for next month will take place on Friday, Dec. 5 and the theme will be "Twin Day." Let's show our school spirit and dress the same as a friend!
- 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.
- Our next PTA meeting will be held in 2026! Please join us on Wednesday, Jan. 7 at 6:30 p.m. in room 112. Can't make the meeting in-person? You can attend virtually via this Google meet 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 with us your thoughts about providing all students with a safe and supportive learning environment.
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
"The thankful heart opens our eyes to a multitude of blessings that continually surround us." – James E. Faust