PRE-K & MAGNET LOTTERY UPDATE
Good morning and happy holidays!
I hope everyone was able to carve out some time to rest over the weekend amidst the hustle and bustle of this glorious holiday season. We have reached our final two days before break, as well as the last school days of 2025. Please be reminded, school will be closed from Wednesday, Dec. 24 through Friday, Jan. 2, with classes resuming on Monday, Jan. 5.
Albany High School's Curriculum Night is scheduled Wednesday, Jan. 7 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. The program will begin with a presentation in Albany High School's auditorium followed by tours and other activities throughout the school. All current grade 8 students and families are encouraged to attend. If you have any questions, please contact Albany High Principal Jodi Commerford at (518) 475-6200.
A special holiday message ...
On behalf of the faculty and staff at Hackett Middle School, I wish you a joyful holiday surrounded by the people who make life worth celebrating.
If you are traveling over the break, may your travels be safe and filled with beautiful moments and great memories upon return. For hosts entertaining family and friends, may you find joy, peace and laughter in the togetherness – with an extra nod to relaxation and sanity!
I am so grateful and honored to serve as your principal and express my deepest gratitude for our wonderful school community.
Wishing you all a Hanukkah Sameach, Merry Christmas, Heri za Kwanzaa and a Happy New Year!
Here's to a wonderful start to 2026!
Stay connected!
Check out our website and in addition to my weekly emails. You also can reach out to us at (518) 475-6475.
Now for our 'Don't Snooze and Lose News'
Besides the items listed above, please make a note of the following information:
- The Hackett PTA will meet on Wednesday, Jan. 7 at 6:30 p.m. in room 112. Can't make the meeting in-person? You can .
- Our next Friday Fun Day will take place on Jan. 16 and the theme will be "Backwards Day." Let's show our school spirit by dressing ourselves in a backwards manner! We will continue to celebrate each Friday Fun Day in a different way in order to boost school pride and add a little fun to our week. This is a great way to build healthy relationships and look forward to the weekend.
- There will be no school on Monday, Jan. 19 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
- Second-quarter grades close on Friday, Jan. 23.
Important reminders
Our Extended Day Program is underway! This after-school program takes place Monday-Thursday from 3-5:30 p.m. and includes a free snack and free door-to-door bus transportation home. Programs include swimming, cooking, judo, cosmetology, dance, arts and crafts, yearbook and more! Applications are available at the Attendance Desk in the main foyer. Completed forms should be returned to the Main Office, and any specific questions should be directed to Ms. Lewis at dlewis2@albany.k12.ny.us. The program runs through June.
Our school district recently joined with Mayor Sheehan and transportation partners to announce stop-arm cameras on all First Student (yellow) buses, an important new initiative to improve traffic safety for our students and our community. will issue citations for violations captured on the bus cameras, with fines as much as $300 being paid to the city.
We have new rules in place about student cell phone use in school. You can get more information about the rules here.
As a reminder, speed cameras are operational and intended to help enforce the city's 20 mph speed limit in school zones. Fines are $50 per offense. Please help keep our school communities, students and staff safe and adhere to these speed zones on your daily commute.
We will hold emergency response drills throughout the school year. The safety of everyone in our school community is extremely important. Holding these practice drills, including lockdown drills, is crucial to our overall emergency planning. Before we practice a drill, we teach students, faculty and staff about the procedures to follow in an emergency.
Hackett Corner Quotes
"Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of LOVE." – Hamilton Wright Mabie