COMMUNITY UPDATE
OCTOBER 2024
Seizing new opportunities to benefit our students
We closed October and began November with very exciting news from some of our exceptional community partners that aligns with our vision for expanding workforce development and college- and career-readiness opportunities for our students.
On Wednesday, we celebrated the outstanding news from U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer that the federal government is investing $825 million to build a chip research center at the Albany NanoTech complex adjacent to the University at Albany campus.
This incredible announcement solidifies the position of our city and region as the global leader in semiconductor innovation.
We already have entered discussions this school year with UAlbany’s College of Nanotechnology, Science and Engineering about new partnerships that will benefit Albany High School students. Sen. Schumer’s announcement certainly multiplies the power of this great and growing partnership.
Then on Friday morning, we welcomed an exciting update from Hudson Valley 番茄社区 College at our monthly 番茄社区 Roundtable meeting. Professor Donna Barron, Ph.D., delivered a presentation about the college’s Biotech Connect partnership with Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences and local biotech giant Regeneron Pharmaceuticals.
The colleges’ primary goal is to increase the pool of skilled workers across a wide range of careers at Regeneron and throughout the region’s growing biotechnology sector. Biotech Connect has a particular focus on reaching English-language learners and their families, and raising awareness for traditionally underserved students in grades 7-12.
These are just two recent examples of the amazing opportunities available to us as if we are positioned to build the necessary connections.
That is a paramount objective for our organization.
Recent changes in administrative leadership have provided us a window to re-evaluate and realign our structure. One area in which we have both a need and a tremendous opportunity is the connection between Albany High’s strong career and technical education (CTE) programs and the exploding workforce development opportunities in our region.
We need a point person to bridge our CTE program development and community connections in these critical areas – to create more “dot-connectors.” This will be a priority; we can’t afford it not to be, because if we are not prepared, our students will lose out.
This is very much on the front burner for us, and I will keep you updated as we move ahead.
Sincerely,
Villain Cabaret Nov. 1 & 2!
Join the incredibly talented Albany High School Theater Ensemble for their !
The shows runs this Friday, Nov. 1 and Saturday, Nov. 2 starting at 6:30 p.m.
A fun-filled and interactive performance, the cabaret takes a look at the complex nature of humanity, and what exactly it means to be a “villain.” Please note however, that the show contains mature content and may not be suitable for younger children.
Tickets are $15 for each general admission and $5 each for students and seniors.
The Theater Ensemble also is looking for donations of clothing, furniture and household items to supplement their supply of props, and you can drop off your items at either show between 5-6 p.m.
Updates to our administrative team
We had several shifts in our leaderhip roles during October, including Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Instruction Lori McKenna announcing her retirement, long-time Sheridan Preparatory Academy Principal Zuleika Sanchez-Gayle being named as the district’s new Early Childhood director and Elizabeth Morphy expanding her supervisory role to include secondary humanities. You can check out our earlier news story detailing these three changes, as well as our announcement naming current TOAST Assistant Principal Meghan D’Alessandro as the next principal at Pine Hills Elementary School!
Albany High Academy Lottery
Applications are available now for the Albany High School lottery that determines academy placement in the 2025-26 school year.
Current City School District of Albany families are welcome to complete the application online now, but please note that all current eighth-graders will have the opportunity to visit the high school, learn about each academy, and then complete the application with their guidance counselor.
Private, parochial and charter school families in the city who would like to enroll their current eighth-grader in the lottery must complete an application by Nov. 28.
The lottery will be held Dec. 11.
Chili Cookoff coming!
Join us on Nov. 15 from 4-6 p.m. for Albany High's annual Chili Cookoff featuring the talents of our Culinary II and III students!
This event (held at the Abrookin Career and Technical Center at 99 Kent St.) is a fundraiser for the culinary program, and a suggested donation of $10 lets you sample the dishes and cast your vote for the winning chili!
The suggested donation also goes towards helping SkillsUSA, a career and technical student organization serving high schools, colleges and middle schools around the country, including Albany High's CTE program.
Tonko holds roundtable at Giffen
U.S. Rep. Paul D. Tonko – who has introduced a bill in Congress giving the EPA the authority and resources to regularly study indoor air quality in schools – joined Superintendent Hochreiter and district representatives at Giffen Memorial Elementary School for a roundtable conversation on the issue.
Check out our full news story covering the event to learn more!
Join our Health and Safety Committee!
We are currently seeking two parents or guardians to serve on the district-wide Health and Safety Committee, which monitors the condition of all buildings to assure they are safe and maintained properly.
To learn more, including how to apply, please see our earlier news story about the committee.
Looking ahead
Don't forget that you can view our online calendar for a look at all the important events coming up throughout the district and at our schools! Also, be sure the contact email we have on file for you is correct so that you automatically receive regular updates through SchoolMessenger, and don't forget to follow us on our various social media platforms!
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