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Happy New Year, and welcome back to school!     

It is hard to believe the holidays have already come and gone and we are midway through the second quarter of school. They say every end marks a new beginning. I hope this new year brings new hope, new happiness and new achievements and many inspirations in your life. May we all keep our spirits and determination unshaken as we go through each day. 

Attention parents of eighth-graders: This Wednesday (Jan. 8) at 1 p.m., Albany High School Principal Jodi Commerford will be coming to speak with our eighth-grade students about courses that will be available to them as Albany High freshmen. (Parents, ) The information will support students as they prepare to work with their guidance counselors to create their schedule for their freshman year at Albany High School!   

Also this Wednesday (Jan. 8), we will hold our monthly PTA meeting at 6:30 p.m. Please note that this meeting will be virtual only, and you can  

This week's Friday Fun Day theme will be "flannel and fleece." It's going to be chilly, so it's a perfect time to get cozy in our favorite flannel and/or fleece clothing! We look forward to celebrating each Friday in a different way 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.  

This Saturday (Jan. 11), Hackett will host the annual  from 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. We expect over 500 individuals to be present for this event. Traditional songs, dances and food attract Karen people from all over the Capital Region to honor their heritage and teach Albany about their culture, and community members are welcome. Please note that is not a school sponsored event, and the City School District of Albany is not responsible or liable for any problems or damages arising from participation in these activities.

A paper copy of the January edition of our newsletter, "The Hawk's Nest," was included in your student's interim report card we recently mailed home. .

There are three months remaining until we begin a heavy dose of testing, including the 2025 New York State assessments, Regents exams and spring NWEA progress testing. Before that time, teachers will continue to provide meaningful instruction to all students to build their skills and prepare them for future learning. Your child's attendance is especially important as we hope to give all our students every opportunity to succeed. For your information, the 2025 New York State assessment schedule is listed in the section below.

Again, we wish the family and friends of Hackett Middle School a very happy and healthy new year!

... and that was the week that was!

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

• We will dismiss early – at 12:30 p.m. – on Wednesday, Jan. 15 so that staff can take part in professional development sessions.
• There will be no school on Monday, Jan. 20 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
• Winter NWEA math assessments will start on Tuesday, Jan. 21 and run through Friday, Jan. 31.
• There will be no school on Wednesday, Jan. 29 in observance of Lunar New Year.
• The second quarter ends on Friday, Jan. 31. Please be sure your child is handling all assignments along with any missed work due to absences.
• Our February PTA meeting will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 5 at 6:30 p.m. in room 112. You also can .
• The second round of parent-teacher conferences will take place Thursday, Feb. 6 in the evening and Friday, Feb. 7 during the day. Please note that there is no school for students on Feb. 7.
• We will dismiss early – at 12:30 p.m. – on Wednesday, Feb. 26 so that staff can take part in professional development sessions.
• 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

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 Friday, June 13.
• Hackett continues its emergency response drills. 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). Please observe the 20-mph school zone speed limit and help keep our students safe. The city will issue a $50 fine to violators.

Hackett corner quotes

"Be the change you wish to see in the world." – Mahatma Gandhi