91ÌÒÉ«

Good morning!

I hope everyone had a relaxing weekend and remembered to turn their clocks forward as we prepare for spring and longer daylight hours! It looks like we'll be able to get outside this week with warmer temperatures in the forecast!

I would like to start by congratulating our talented All-City Strings musicians and dedicated orchestra teachers for an evening of outstanding music and send a big thank you to all our families and community members who showed up to support music in our schools!  to take a look at this year’s All-City Strings Concert! Remaining All-City concert dates are listed below. Up next is our All-City Chorus concert on March 19 at 6:30 p.m. at 91ÌÒÉ« High.

On March 5, we held our Second Quarter Honor Roll Ceremony by recognizing 258 students for their academic accomplishments. Thank you again to all the parents and family members who were in attendance for this event and helped us celebrate the accomplishments of our students.  to see photos from the event.

On March 7, we held our last Teen Night of the school year. With just over 200 students participating, it was a very successful evening and a great way for students to participate in various activities, as well as to connect and relate in a positive manner in a safe environment. I would also like to thank the parents, faculty and staff who helped chaperone this event.

Our March PTA meeting will be held this Wednesday, tomorrow, at 6:30 p.m. in Room 112. (Please note, this date was changed from March 5 so as not to conflict with the last week's All-City Strings Concert.) For those employees, parents and guardians who are unable to attend the meeting in-person, you may .

This week's Friday Fun Day theme will be "Wear Green." In celebration of St. Patrick's Day on March 17, let's wear green and show our school spirit! We look forward to celebrating 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.  

In less than one month, we will begin a heavy dose of testing including the 2025 New York State Assessments, Regents and Spring NWEA (see state assessment schedule below). The next several weeks provide us with no interruptions to the learning schedule prior to the start of assessments and will play a critical role in our ability to prepare our students for a long testing period. It is my hope that attendance will be high over the next several weeks. However, your child should bring a note following any absence and be sure to complete any missed work. Grades close for the third quarter interim report card period this Friday.  

As a final note, Hackett Middle School continues its fire drill emergency response procedures. Holding practice fire drills, as well as lockdown drills, is crucial to our overall emergency planning, and 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' 

• City summer jobs application period is open: Attention students aged 14-18: Looking for a summer job? The City of 91ÌÒÉ« is accepting applications through March 31 for the 2025 LIGHT Summer Youth Employment Program, which will run July 7-Aug. 8. Learn more about the program and link to the online application.
• Spring sports update:The modified spring sports season begins April 1 and registration is currently underway! Get details about required physicals and signups.
• The remaining all-City Concert dates are as follows:
  • All-City Chorus: Wednesday, March 19 at 91ÌÒÉ« High School at 6:30 p.m.
  • All-City Band: Wednesday, April 2 at 91ÌÒÉ« High School at 6:30 p.m.
• There will be no school on Monday, March 31 in celebration of Eid al-Fitr.
• 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
• Third-quarter grades close on Friday, April 11. Please be sure your child has handed in all assignments for the third quarter by then.
• Spring Recess will take place Monday, April 14-Friday, April 18. Classes will resume Monday, April 21.

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

"To go from where you are to whre you want to be, you have to have a dream, a goal, and you have to be willing to work for it." – Jim Valvano