Hello, Parents and Guardians:
This is it – our first full week of school has started! I hope this correspondence finds you refreshed and ready to begin our journey through a new academic year. Together, we can ensure that Hackett Middle School students strive to achieve their highest potential in the classroom and beyond.
Below are some key highlights for the upcoming week as we begin navigating through the school year. In the meantime, enjoy the next few days of beautiful weather!
Our first PTA meeting will take place this Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. in room 112. Can’t make it in person? . Your involvement helps support the well-being and educational success of our children and our school community. We hope you will consider attending one of our upcoming meetings and sharing with us your thoughts for providing all students with a safe and supportive learning environment.
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Student ID badges have been printed for all students. Students who did not receive an ID should inform their homeroom teacher.
We will begin administering the NWEA Fall Reading Assessment this Thursday and Friday. This assessment is integral in identifying students who need additional intervention and support.
This Friday, we will start our day with a “clap-in” to celebrate the end of our first full week of school. All staff will divide among the three entry points of the building to warmly welcome our students into the building with smiles and applause. We want our students to feel excitement and support from the school community as they start their day and strive for success in this new school year.
Also on Friday, we will hold our annual Hackett PTA Fun Day Barbecue for all students and staff during lunch shifts. It is always a great success and a favorite among staff and students. We thank our PTA each year for their support in preparing and serving the food! .
Open House is scheduled for Thursday evening, Sept. 25, beginning at 6 p.m. We invite you to participate and gain direct insight into our school environment, become informed about the curriculum, and foster a collaborative relationship with your child's teachers. Parents/guardians will attend all of their child's nine (Day 1) class periods as indicated on their schedule Each period will be 10 minutes long. Please be reminded, the purpose of this time is for you to review classroom expectations, grading policies, content to be covered, contact information, etc. Feel free to email a teacher at a later time with any specific questions or if you wish to discuss your child in more detail.
Our Extended Day Program is set to begin on Tuesday, Oct. 14 and will run through June. This after-school program takes place Monday-Thursday from 3-5:30 p.m. and includes a free snack and free door-to-door bus transportation home. Programs include swimming, cooking, judo, cosmetology, dance, arts and crafts, yearbook and more! Applications are available at the Attendance Desk in the main foyer. Completed forms should be returned to the Main Office, and any specific questions should be directed to Ms. Lewis at dlewis2@albany.k12.ny.us.
The City School District of 鶹ӰԺ will host Saturday basketball clinics for students in grades 6-8 on Sept. 20, Sept. 27 and Oct. 4 at 鶹ӰԺ from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Develop fundamental basketball skills through age-appropriate drills, techniques and structured game play. .
Also, it's not too late to sign up for modified (grades 7-8) girls' soccer! Lace up your cleats and . The first game is this Friday!
Stay connected!
Check out our website and in addition to my weekly emails. You also can reach out to us at (518) 475-6475.
Now for our 'Don't Snooze and Lose News'
Besides the items listed above, please make a note of the following information:
- There will be no school on Tuesday, Sept. 23 for Rosh Hashana.
- There will be no school on Thursday, Oct. 2 for Yom Kippur
- Next month's PTA meeting will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 8 at 6:30 p.m.
- First quarter interim grades close on Friday, Oct. 10
- There will be no school on Monday, Oct. 13 in observance of Columbus/Indigenous Peoples' Day.
- School Picture Day(s) – what every parent anticipates with joy and every student dreads! This year's dates are Oct. 15 and 16 and will take place during your child's physical education class. ISmile Studios will provide more information as we get closer to the day.
- Save the date! Our first round of parent/teacher conferences will take place on Thursday, Oct. 23 and Friday, Oct. 24. Details to follow!
Important reminders
We have new rules in place about student cell phone use in school. You can get more information about the rules here.
As a reminder, speed cameras are operational and intended to help enforce the city's 20 mph speed limit in school zones. Fines are $50 per offense. Please help keep our school communities, students and staff safe and adhere to these speed zones on your daily commute.
We will hold emergency response drills throughout the school year. The safety of everyone in our school community is extremely important. Holding these practice drills, including lockdown drills, is crucial to our overall emergency planning. Before we practice a drill, we teach students, faculty and staff about the procedures to follow in an emergency.