News and events - 12/2/24

Weekly update from Principal Paolino

Holiday Greetings!

I hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving with family and friends and enjoyed the many holiday activities and traditions that this time of year brings. If you are like the rest of us, you are feeling a bit sluggish today despite the extended weekend! Nonetheless, we are full steam ahead as we plan for a multitude of upcoming events. It is hard to believe that we have approximately three weeks until our next recess! 

We will hold December's PTA meeting this Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. in Room 112.  Can't make it in person? You can attend via this Google meet link.

Last week we were unable to celebrate Friday Fun Day due to the short week, but this week's theme will be “Team Grinch” vs. “Team Holly Jolly.” Students and staff will wear green if they are Team Grinch or red if they are Team Holly Jolly! We will continue to celebrate each Friday in a different way in order to add a little fun to our day and show our school spirit. This is a great way to build healthy relationships and look forward to the weekend.  

Our first-quarter Honor Roll Ceremony will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 11 at 8:30 a.m. in the auditorium. Approximately 283 students are being celebrated for outstanding and exemplary academic achievement, with our bronze students totaling 82, silver totaling 100 and gold totaling 101. We are proud to recognize these students and extend our sincere congratulations to them. 

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 safeYou can visit our website to read more.

... and that was the week that was!  

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

  • Our December PTA meeting will be held this Wednesday 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.
  • Second quarter interim grades close on Friday, Dec. 13. Please be sure your child is handing in their assignments along with any missed work due to absences.
  • Holiday Recess will take place Monday, Dec. 23-Wednesday, Jan. 1, with classes resuming on Thursday, Jan. 2.
  • Our January PTA meeting will be held Wednesday, Jan. 8 at 6:30 p.m. in room 112. If you can't attend in person, you can join virtually via this Google meet link.

Hackett corner quotes

"There are two ways of spreading light:  to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it." – Edith Wharton