Greetings on another cold winter morning!
Welcome back from what I hope was a relaxing and refreshing three-day weekend! I hope you also took a moment to remember the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. His selfless concern and devotion to the civil rights movement continues to inspire all people of this nation and around the world. As our nation experienced a change in leadership, Superintendent Joseph Hochreiter issued this message reaffirming our district's enduring commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of everyone in our school community.
The first month of the New Year is already coming to an end, and with that also brings the end of the second marking period. As I mentioned last week and will continue to reiterate throughout the school year, it is imperative that your child hands in all assignments including any missed work during absences to maintain good grades and stay caught up with learning. Grades for second quarter will close on Friday, Jan. 31.
On Tuesday, we began our winter NWEA math assessment period, which is expected to conclude on Friday, Jan. 31.
This week's Friday Fun Day theme will be superheroes, so we will dress like our favorite hero or team of heroes! We look forward to celebrating each Friday in a different way 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.
Please note, there will be no school next Wednesday, Jan. 29 in celebration of the Lunar New Year, a day which marks the beginning of the new year on the lunisolar calendar.
Join our team! The City School District of Albany is hiring for a variety of positions. A list of employment opportunities can be found on our Human Resources page.
There are three months remaining until we begin a heavy dose of testing, including the 2025 New York State assessments, Regents exams and spring NWEA progress testing. All state assessments – English language arts, math and reading – will be taken on the computer. A key component to this computer-based testing is a practice assessment that 1) allows us to assure our building can meet the technical requirements and 2) gives teachers time to review with students the online tools available during the test. The simulation for Hackett will be held on Thursday, Jan. 30 during first period. Before that time, teachers will continue to provide meaningful instruction to help students build their skills. Your child's attendance is especially important and we hope to give all students every opportunity to succeed. You can find the state assessment schedule below.
... and that was the week that was!
Now for our 'Don't Snooze and Lose News'
- Our February PTA meeting will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 5 at 6:30 p.m. in room 112. You also can join us virtually via Google meet at this link.
- The second round of parent-teacher conferences will take place Thursday, Feb. 6 from 4-7 p.m. and Friday, Feb. 7 from noon-3 p.m. Please note that there is no school for students on Feb. 7.
- There will be no school Monday, Feb. 17-Friday, Feb. 21 for Winter Recess. We will be back in school on Monday, Feb. 24.
- We will dismiss early – at 12:30 p.m. – on Wednesday, Feb. 26 so that staff can take part in professional development sessions.
- New York State test schedule for 2025:
- English Language Arts: April 8-11
- NYSESLAT Speaking: April 21-25
- Math: April 29-May 2
- NYSESLAT Listening, Reading and Writing: May 12-22
- Science: May 13
- Science make-ups: May 14-16
Important reminders
- Extended Day Program 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.us. The program will run through Friday, June 13.
- Hackett continues its emergency response drills. Holding practice drills –including lockdown 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). Please observe the 20-mph school zone speed limit and help keep our students safe. The city will issue a $50 fine to violators.
Hackett corner quotes
"Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can." – Arthur Ashe
