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Dear Parents and Guardians:

I hope everyone enjoyed the weekend and is ready for Halloween! It is hard to believe how quickly the school year is moving, as Friday is Nov. 1!

If you are baffled by technology and its risks to you and your family, you are invited to join us for an in-person information session entitled, "Protecting Yourself and Your Family from Identity Theft" on Tuesday – tomorrow – at 7 p.m. This ·¬ÇÑÉçÇø event is open to all district families and will offer light refreshments and child care. Please park behind school and enter through the cafeteria doors.

Eighth-graders will visit Albany High School on Thursday from noon-2 p.m. This field trip is designed to give our students an opportunity to tour the building and learn more about the four different academies. All students were given an opt-out form to bring home on Oct. 21; students only need to return the form to school if their parents/guardian DOES NOT want them to participate in this trip. Online applications are available now for the Albany High academy lottery. Families can complete the application now, or students will complete the application with their guidance counselor after they visit Albany High.

Hackett's Halloween Teen Night will take place this Friday from 6-8:15 p.m. Costumes are welcome for this event! Teen Nights provide an opportunity for Hackett students to participate in various activities and connect and relate in a positive and fun manner in a safe environment. Students must present their ID at the door. Parents and guardians are welcome to make a donation or to volunteer to supervise the event. .

Last Friday's "Fun Day" actually took place on Thursday due to parent/teacher conferences on Friday. Our theme was "dress like a student' and everyone really enjoyed showing off their student fashion flair. This week's Friday Fun Day will not take place as we prepare for our first Teen Night of the school year. We look forward to resuming our Friday Fun Day themes next week. Parent-teacher conferences were a huge success, and we thank all of the parents and guardians who took the time to meet with teachers. Communication between home and school is vital, and we look forward to continuing to work together towards your child’s success. Our second round of parent/teacher conferences are scheduled for Feb. 6 and 7.

Signups for modified winter sports are underway. . Be sure to contact our health office at (518) 475-6482 to make sure your child meets the proper physical exam requirements. Please note that Albany High School will host an informational meeting for athletes in grades 7-12 and their families on Wednesday, Nov. 6 from 6-7:30 p.m.

We continue to accept applications for our Extended Day Program, and we hope to encourage more students to enrich their afternoons by signing up! 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 Friday, June 13.

Hackett Middle School continues its fire drill emergency response procedures. Holding practice drills is crucial to our overall emerngecy planning, and we will continue to conduct planned drills.

Speed cameras are in operation on Delaware Avenue near Hackett and Thomas O'Brien Academy of Science and Technology (TOAST). The city has switched from warning letters to $50 fines, so please observe the 20-mph school zone speed limit and help keep our students saft. You can visit our website to read more.

As a final note this week, although Halloween is enjoyable for children of all ages, it does require extra caution when trick-or-treating. I offer the following safety tips for you and your family:

Top Tips for Halloween Safety

• Carry glow sticks or flashlights, use reflective tape or stickers on costumes and bags, and wear light colors to help kids see and be seen by drivers.
• Join kids under age 12 for trick-or-treating.
• When driving, slow down and be alert. Kids are excited on Halloween and may dart into the street. Turn on headlights early in the day to spot kids from further away.
• Remind kids to cross the street at corners or crosswalks.
• When selecting a costume, make sure it is the right size to prevent trips and falls. Choose face paint over masks when possible. Masks can limit children’s vision.
• Never go into a stranger's house or car.
• Always check for open or tampered packaging on candy/treats.
• Be safe and enjoy!

... and that was the week that was!

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

• Our next PTA meeting will take place on Wednesday Nov. 6 at 7 p.m.
• The first quarter ends on Friday, Nov. 8. Please make sure you child stays up to day with classroom assignments.
• There will be no school on Monday, Nov. 11, which is Veterans Day.
• School picture retakes are scheduled for the morning of Friday, Nov. 15.