News and events - 11/18/24

Weekly update from Principal Paolino

Happy Monday!

I hope everyone had a great weekend. The days are moving quickly, and we have just over one week until Thanksgiving recess!

Last week, we celebrated Friday Fun Day with a "Hat Day" theme. Students and staff participated in the fun by wearing their favorite hat throughout the day. This Friday will be "Dress Like A Friend Day," and we hope to see everyone dressing like their favorite friend for the day! We will continue to celebrate each Friday in a different way in order to add a little fun and show our school spirit. This is a great way to build healthy relationships and look forward to the weekend.  

I would like to congratulate the students, staff and production team from "Six the Musical: Teen Edition." Friday afternoon's performance was truly spectacular. Congratulations also go out to our music/chorus teacher, Mrs. Delsignore, for bringing this production to our school and showcasing the talented students in our area.

Please note that we will be implementing the second of our Early Release Days this Wednesday. Students will be released at 12:30 p.m. and staff professional development sessions will take place for the remainder of the afternoon.  A modified bell schedule will allow students to report to all nine classes in shorter periods. Also on Wednesday, district administrators will be present at Hackett to conduct various classroom visits throughout school.  

Signups for modified winter sports continue. You can register your child here. Be sure to contact our health office at (518) 475-6482 to make sure your child meets the proper physical exam requirements. Tryouts begin Nov. 25.

We continue to accept applications for our Extended Day Program, and we hope to encourage more students to enrich their afternoons by signing up! Applications are available at the attendance desk in the main foyer. Programs include swimming, cooking, judo, cosmetology, dance, arts and crafts, yearbook and more! The after-school program takes place Monday through Thursday from 3-5:15 p.m. and includes a free snack and free door-to-door transportation home. Completed forms should be returned to the guidance office, and any specific questions should be directed to Ms. Lewis at dlewis2@albany.k12.ny.usThe program will run through Friday, June 13.

Hackett Middle School continues its fire drill emergency response procedures. Holding practice drills is crucial to our overall emerngecy planning, and we will continue to conduct planned drills.

Speed cameras are in operation on Delaware Avenue near Hackett and Thomas O'Brien Academy of Science and Technology (TOAST). The city has switched from warning letters to $50 fines, so please observe the 20-mph school zone speed limit and help keep our students saftYou can visit our website to read more.

... and that was the week that was!

Now for our 'Don't Snooze and Lose News' 

  • There will be no school Wednesday, Nov. 27-Friday, Nov. 29 for Thanksgiving Recess.
  • Eighth-graders have until Thursday, Nov. 28 to submit their lottery application to attend one of Albany High School's four academies. The drawing will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 11.
  • Our December PTA meeting will be held Wednesday, Dec. 4 at 6:30 p.m. in room 112. Can't make it in-person? You also can attend virtually via this Google meet link.
  • Hackett's Winter Concert and Dessert Auction will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 10 at 6:30  p.m.
  • Our first-quarter Honor Roll Ceremony will be held Wednesday, Dec. 11 at 8:30 a.m. in our auditorium.
  • Holiday Recess will take place Monday, Dec. 23-Wednesday, Jan. 1, with classes resuming on Thursday, Jan. 2.

Hackett corner quotes

"It's a funny thing about life. Once you begin to take note of the things you are grateful for, you begin to lose sight of the things you lack." – Germany Kent