News and events - 10/27/23

Albany High School Falcon logo

Greetings, Falcon families!

News of the week

  • Harvest Open Mic Night is Wednesday – Attention writers, poets, singers, musicians, actors, comedians and others: Showcase your talent at Harvest Open Mic Night this Wednesday starting at 5:30 p.m. in the library! Sign up here to reserve a time slot or see Mr. Cole in room 2364. Learn more.
  • Chili Cookoff is next Friday – Save the date and your appetite! On Nov. 3, the aspiring chefs in our Culinary 2 and 3 classes will vie for the best chili! The event is a fundraiser for the culinary program, and a suggested donation of $10 lets you sample the dishes and cast your vote for the winning chili! The event will be held from 4-6 p.m. at Abrookin Career and Technical Center.
  • Attention seniors and their families – The Guidance Department will host a Financial Aid Information Night for seniors and their families to provide an overview of the college financial aid process on Tuesday, Nov. 14 in the library. Learn more.
  • Cosmetology program in the news Check out this great News10 story from Tuesday about Albany High cosmetology teacher LaQuita Love, her students and the free beauty services they provide every Thursday to people 55 and older.
  • Thank you senior swimmers – Varsity girls' swimming recgonized the dedication and accompmlishments of their graduating teammates on Monday. Congratulations - and good luck - to Hannah Bopp, Zoe Gravina, Maisie Sagaas and Meagan Strong!
  • Celebrating senior football – The varsity football team and Coach Mike Ware celebrated 17 seniors last Saturday before the matchup against Queensbury on the turf field. The seniors were escorted by family members through a corridor of their cheering teammates.

Upcoming events

  • Wednesday, Nov. 1 – Harvest Open Mic Night, library, 5:30 p.m. Learn more.
  • Friday, Nov. 3 – Chili cookoff, Abrookin, 4-6 p.m. Learn more.
  • Saturday, Nov. 4
    • SAT exam, 7:45 a.m.
    • Special Education parent meet-and-greet, library, 10:30-noon. Learn more.
  • Monday, Nov. 6-Thursday, Nov. 9 – School pictures, grades 9-11 
  • Wednesday, Nov. 8 – National Honor Society inductions, auditorium, 5:30 p.m.
  • Friday, Nov. 10 – No school, Veterans Day
  • Tuesday, Nov. 14 – Financial Aid Information Night, library, 6 p.m. Learn more.
  • Wednesday, Nov. 15 – Chamber concert featuring Albanettes, Troubadours, Chamber Choir, String Quartet, Advanced Jazz Ensemble and Intermediate Jazz Ensemble, auditorium, 6:30 p.m.
  • Friday, Nov. 17 – Short Play Festival, auditorium, 6:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, Nov. 18 – Short Play Festival, auditorium, 6:30 p.m.
  • Sunday, Nov. 19 – Short Play Festival, auditorium, 2 p.m.
  • Monday, Nov. 20 – First quarter honor roll celebration, ninth period
  • Wednesday, Nov. 22-Friday, Nov. 24 – No school, Thanksgiving Recess
  • Tuesday, Nov. 28 – PTSA meeting, library or attend remotely, 5:30 p.m.

Important reminders

  • Student ID reminder – Please see this important information about student ID cards.
  • Online independent study – Albany High students can earn up to three credits through independent-study, online elective classes that include Multicultural Studies, Media Literacy, Reading Skills and Strategies, and more. Students should see Mr. Vacanti in room 1311 or email tvacanti@albany.k12.ny.us for more information.
  • Support Key Club and get a great meal – Dine in or get take-out at Mr. Bumble’s on New Scotland Avenue between 4-5 p.m. weekdays and say “I am a Falcon,” and the restaurant will donate 15 percent of profits to Key Club! Every weekday through Thanksgiving.
  • Winter sports signups underway – Registration for the winter 2023-24 sports season is now open, with practices/tryouts beginning Nov. 13. New this year: a Falcon girls' wrestling team! For a list of athletic offerings and a link to register, head here!. Please note that student-athletes must have had a physical dated on, or after, Nov. 1, 2022. 
  • Join an after-school club – There’s something for EVERYONE at Albany High – including some 35 after-school clubs and activities! Take a look at the full list and find your passion!
  • New safety rules – Effective immediately, Albany High School is implementing new safety procedures for dropping off or picking up students at school. Learn more.
  • 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.