91��ɫ

Dear Parents and Guardians:

The weather has been absolutely beautiful, and it looks like most of this week will be pleasant as well. We're likely looking at the end of this mild pattern, so I hope we all get a chance to spend some time outdoors with our loved ones. Last Friday's “fun day” theme was “twin day.” Staff and students had twice the fun teaming up with a friend to celebrate their creative side! This week's Friday fun day will take place on Thursday, as we will not have school on Friday due to parent-teacher conferences. Thursday's theme will be “dress like a student.” If anyone has a fearless, carefree, trendy, go-with-the-flow style, it's our students, so we look forward to the joining in the fun as we express our own style this Thursday! We will continue to celebrate our Fridays 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 first round of parent-teacher conferences will take place this Thursday from 4-7 p.m. We will continue parent-teacher conferences on Friday from noon-3 p.m. Please note that there is no school for students on Oct. 25. If you have not been contacted by one of your child's teachers and would like to schedule a time to meet, please call the guidance office at (518) 475-6486.

Also beginning this Friday are signups for modified winter sports. . Be sure to contact our health office at (518) 475-6482 to make sure your child meets the proper physical exam requirements. Please note that 91��ɫ High School will host an informational meeting for athletes in grades 7-12 and their families on Wednesday, Nov. 6 from 6-7:30 p.m.

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.us. The program will run through Friday, June 13.

As you know, the school district issued surveys for parents/guardians and staff regarding student cell phone use and its impact in the educational environment. Last month, we began administering the survey to students during their assigned study hall periods. We ask that you please encourage your child(ren) to complete the survey to help our Cell Phone Use Task Force understand the thoughts and needs of our students, as well as parents, in this area. The Task Force will review all survey results and other information to make recommendations for the district's Student Code of Conduct.

As a final note, 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 Washington Avenue in front of 91��ɫ High School, Western Avenue in front of Eagle Point Elementary School and All Saints Academy, and Whitehall Road near 91��ɫ School of Humanities and Stephen and Harriet Myers Middle School. That means drivers who violate 20-mph school speed zone limit will be fined $50. Speed cameras on Delaware Avenue near Hackett and Thomas O'Brien Academy of Science and Technology will switch from warning letters to fines later this month. Please help keep our school communities, students and staff safe and observe the 20-mph school zone speed limit. You can visit our website to read more.

... and that was the week that was!

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

• Eighth-graders will visit 91��ɫ High on Thursday, Oct. 31 from noon-2 p.m. This field trip is designed to give our students an opportunity to tour the building and learn more about the four different academies. All students will be given an opt-out form to bring home on Monday, Oct. 21. Students will only need to return the form to school if their parents/guardian DOES NOT want them to participate in this trip.
• Save the date! Hackett's Halloween Teen Night will take place on Friday, Nov. 1 at 6 p.m. Costumes are welcome for this event! Teen Nights provide an opportunity for Hackett Middle School students to participate in various activities and connect and relate in a positive and fun manner in a safe environment.
• Our next PTA meeting will take place on Wednesday Nov. 6 at 7 p.m.
• The first quarter ends on Friday, Nov. 8. Please make sure you child stays up to day with classroom assignments.
• There will be no school on Monday, Nov. 11, which is Veterans Day.
• School picture retakes are scheduled for the morning of Friday, Nov. 15.

Hackett Corner Quote ...

"The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you."– B.B. King