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Hello!

February is here, and as you know, it is Black History Month. We welcome this annual celebration of the achievements and legacy of African-Americans and recognize their important role in American history.  

We remember Dr. Carter G. Woodson, Harvard historian, for researching and promoting achievements by Black Americans leading to the establishment of Negro History Week in 1926. We also remember President Gerald Ford who, in 1976, officially declared Black History Month, and we are proud to continue to honor the contributions of African-Americans across our history and society.

February is also one of the shortest months of the school year, with only 14 days of instruction. I cannot stress enough that attendance significantly impacts student achievement.

Monday was the first day of the third-quarter marking period, with interim grades closing Friday, March 7. As a reminder, your child(ren) should bring a note and complete any missed work as a result of any absences from school.  

As a final note, Hackett continues its Fire Drill Emergency Response Procedures. Holding practice fire drills as well as lockdown drills is crucial to our overall emergency planning. We will continue to conduct planned drills throughout the school year.

 ... and that was the week that was!

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

• Our next PTA meeting will be held this Wednesday, Feb. 5, at 6:30 p.m. in Room 112. For those employees, parents and guardians who are unable to attend the meeting in-person, you may .

• Our second round of Parent-Teacher Conferences will take place this Thursday, Feb. 6, from 4-7 p.m., and Friday, Feb. 7, from noon-3 p.m. Please note that there is no school Friday to accommodate these conferences and professional development for our teachers and staff.

• Winter Recess will take place from Monday, Feb. 17 through Friday, Feb. 21, with classes resuming Monday, Feb, 24.

• Save the Date! Our Honor Roll Ceremony for the second quarter will be held Wednesday, March 5 at 8:30 a.m.

• 2025 New York State Assessments are scheduled as follows:
  • ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS --  April 8-11
  • NYSESLAT Speaking Test -- April 21-25
  • MATHEMATICS -- April 29-May 2
  • NYSESLAT Listening, Reading, Writing -- May 12-22
  • SCIENCE Written Test -- May 13
  • SCIENCE Written Test 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 June 13,
• Speed cameras are up and running, and $50 fines are being imposed on drivers exceeding the 20-mph school zone speed limit on Delaware Avenue and in several other school zones throughout the city. Please drive safely and avoid these fines by being mindful of the school zone on your daily route. You can visit our website to read more from earlier this school when the city launched the school speed zone safety program.

Hackett corner quotes

"If you cannot find peace within yourself, you will never find it anywhere else." – Marvin Gaye