Dear Parents and Guardians:
I hope everyone had a great weekend and spent a little time enjoying the beautiful warm weather we continue to have!
As of Monday, the CDTA back-to-school grace period for free rides on the tripper buses ended, and only eligible students with an activated ID card will be allowed to ride the trippers from this point on. Also, our ID card printer is now operational and any students who did not receive their ID should be directed to the main office.
NWEA math assessments were administered in the school library to students in grades 6 through 8. This week, we will start the administration of the NWEA reading assessments. These assessments help us monitor our students' academic progress in Math and Reading as well as provide teachers with information to help them guide instruction in the classroom. We were happy to welcome our district administrators to Hackett on Wednesday, as they conducted various classroom visits throughout school. This should be the first of many district visitations we will have throughout the school year.
Open House was a great success, and we thank the many parents who came to school to learn more about their child's classes and expectations, grading, content to be covered, contact information, etc. Feel free to email a teacher with any specific questions you may still have or if you wish to discuss your child in more detail.
Last week's “Friday Fun Day” theme was Mismatch Day! Staff and students really showed their school spirit by wearing bizarre combinations of tops and bottoms. This week's theme will be “Dress Like a PE Teacher Day,” so we hope to see some shorts, sweatshirts and hoodie sweatshirts as we pay homage to our beloved PE team! We will continue to celebrate each Friday in a different way to add a little fun and freedom to our day. This is a great way to build healthy relationships and look forward to the weekend!
Our Extended Day Program is set to begin on Monday, Oct. 7 and will run through Friday, June 13. The after-school program takes place Mondays through Thursdays from 3-5:15 p.m. and includes a free snack and free door-to-door transportation home. Applications will be available at this Thursday's Open House and at the Attendance Desk after that. Completed forms should be returned to the Guidance Office, and any specific questions should be directed to Ms. Lewis at dlewis2@albany.k12.ny.us.
As a final note, Hackett Middle School continues its fire drill emergency response procedures. As a reminder, a new speed camera will go into use on Delaware Avenue (near Hackett and Thomas O'Brien Academy of Science and Technology). Additional cameras have been placed near Albany High School, Eagle Point and ASH near Myers. The cameras are intended to help enforce the city's 20 mph speed limit in school zones. Over time, the city plans to put speed cameras into use in 20 school zones throughout Albany, with each speed camera zone carrying a 30-day warning period. After that, fines will be $50 per offense. Please help keep our school communities, students and staff safe and adhere to these speed zones. You can visit our website to read more.
... and that was the week that was!
Now for our 'Don't Snooze and Lose News'
- As you know, the district issued surveys to parents/guardians and staff regarding cell phone use and its impact in the educational environment. This week, students will also be administered the survey, which should take no more than five minutes to complete, while in their lunch/study hall periods.
- There will be no school on Thursday, Oct. 3 in observance of Rosh Hashana.
- If you haven't already, don’t forget to register for Sunday's Falcon 5K in Washington Park. The annual community event raises money for the Albany Booster Club (ABC).
- Our next PTA meeting will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 9, (new date) at 7:15 p.m.
- First quarter interim grades close on Friday, Oct. 11.
- Our annual "Go Home Early" emergency dismissal drill will be Friday, Oct. 11, when school will dismiss 15 minutes early. The State Education Department requires all schools to conduct this test each year. Learn more.
- There will be no school on Monday, Oct. 14 in observance of Columbus/Indigenous Peoples Day.
- School pictures will be taken on Wednesday, Oct. 16 and Thursday, Oct. 17. Pictures are taken during the student's regularly scheduled PE classes.
- Please consider signing up for a concession stand shift during the fall athletic season. In addition to student-athletes, the ABC funds author visits, our food pantry, marching band, robotics, indoor percussion, Junior ROTC and many more organizations and groups that make our district special!
- Sign-ups for modified winter sports begin on Friday, Oct. 25.
- Save the dates! Parent-teacher conferences will take place Thursday and Friday, Oct. 24-25. Details to follow!
"The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary." – Vince Lombardi
