Good morning!
"Top of the morning to ya" on this St. Patrick's Day Monday! I hope everyone enjoyed the weekend and had a chance to spend some time outdoors taking in the beautiful weather. Hopefully, winter has passed and spring has officially sprung!
We will have our final Early Release Day of this school year this Wednesday, March 19. Students will be released at 12:30 p.m. and professional development will take place for staff as we continue to prepare for upcoming assessments. As in the past, a modified bell schedule will be utilized so that students may report to all nine classes, with class periods reduced by several minutes
Also on Wednesday, we look forward to the All-City Chorus concert beginning at 6:30 p.m. at 91ɫ High School. This is our second of three All-City concerts showcasing the talent and excellence of our School District's music students. Our final All-City concert will take place on Wednesday, April 2, featuring our band students. As a reminder, performances are free and open to the public!
This week's Friday Fun Day theme will be “March Madness.” Let's show our school spirit and celebrate the start of the NCAA basketball tournament this week by wearing our favorite basketball jersey or college t-shirt on Friday! 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 just a few weeks, 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 few 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 weeks. However, your child should bring a note following any absence and be sure to complete any missed work. Missing or incomplete assignments have a devastating effect on grades, and as we approach the end of the school year, we hope to give all our students every opportunity to be promoted to the next grade.
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'
- Attention STEM-loving girls: at Hudson Valley Community College!
- Join our team! The City School District of 91ɫ is hiring for a variety of positions. A list of employment opportunities can be found on the Human Resources page of the district website.
- City summer jobs application period is open: Attention students aged 14-18: Looking for a summer job? The City of 91ɫ 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 91ɫ High School at 6:30 p.m.
- All-City Band: Wednesday, April 2 at 91ɫ High School at 6:30 p.m.
- There will be no school on Monday, March 31 in celebration of Eid al-Fitr.
- Our next PTA meeting will be held Wednesday, April 9 at 6:30 p.m. in room 112. Please note that this date was changed so as not to conflict with the All-City Band concert on April 2. Can't make it in person? .
- 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
"May your troubles be less, and your blessings be more, and nothing but happiness come through your door." – Irish blessing
