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Dear Parents and Guardians:

It is a pleasure to welcome you to the 2024-25 school year! I hope your family had moments of togetherness, rest and relaxation over the past summer months. As the second week of school has ended, we are fully underway in what I am sure will be a productive and rewarding school year!

Please be advised that although student ID badges have been printed for all students, we are still waiting for new printer ribbons to be delivered so that we can print badges for all newly enrolled students. At this time, all first-period teachers are maintaining a list of students who still need an ID badge.  Once the printer ribbon arrives, we will immediately print and distribute the new badges. Your patience is greatly appreciated as we wait for our delivery.

We ended our first week of school with a Friday “clap-in,” where our staff joined together to clap their hands as our students entered the school building. It is our hope that students felt appreciated, celebrated and energized and ready for a day of learning. Although some students didn't know how to respond, it is always fun watching them smile and laugh.  

NWEA math assessments started this week in the school library for students in grades 7 and 8. These assessments help us monitor our students' academic progress in math and provide teachers with information to help guide instruction in the classroom.  

This week's “Friday Fun Day” theme is College Day! Staff and students can represent their college or favorite college team by wearing a t-shirt or sweatshirt during school!  We will celebrate each Friday in a different way to add a little fun and show our school spirit. This is a great way to build healthy relationships and look forward to the weekend!

As a final note, Hackett Middle School will be practicing one of its required fire drill emergency response procedures this week. Speaking of safety, please note that a new speed camera will go into use this week on Delaware Avenue (Hackett and Thomas O'Brien Academy of Science and Technology). Additional cameras have been placed near �������� High School, Eagle Point and ASH near Myers. The cameras are intended to help enforce the city's 20 mph speed limit in school zones. Over time, the city plans to put speed cameras into use in 20 school zones throughout ��������, with each speed camera zone carrying a 30-day warning period. After that, fines will be $50 per offense. Please help keep our school communities, students and staff safe and adhere to these speed zones. You can visit our website to read more.

... and that was the week that was!  

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

• This Friday, Sept. 20, we will hold our “Back-to-School Barbecue” for students and staff. A favorite in our school community, our back-to-school barbecue gives us a chance to enjoy friendship and fellowship with our students as we begin a new school year.  We wish to thank Stewarts Ice Cream for providing us with a donation of ice cream sundaes for dessert! 
• Hackett Middle School's Open House will be held on Thursday, Sept. 26 at 6 p.m. Parents and guardians will attend all 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 Monday, Oct. 7 and will run through Friday, June 13. The after-school program takes place Mondays through Thursdays from 3-5:15 p.m. and includes a free snack and free door-to-door transportation home. Applications will be available at Open House and at the Attendance Desk after that. 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. 
• Our next PTA meeting will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 9, at 7:15 p.m.
• School pictures will be taken on Wednesday, Oct. 16 and Thursday, Oct. 17. Pictures are taken during the student's regularly scheduled PE classes.
• There will be no school on Thursday, Oct. 3 in observance of Rosh Hashana.
• If you haven't already, don’t forget to  in Washington Park. The annual community event raises money for the �������� Booster Club (ABC).
• First quarter interim grades close on Friday, Oct. 11.
• Please .  In addition to student-athletes, the ABC funds author visits, our food pantry, marching band, robotics, indoor percussion, Junior ROTC and many more organizations and groups that make our district special!
• Sign-ups for modified winter sports begin on Friday, Oct. 25.                             

“Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” — Malcolm X