The following is an important message from William S. Hackett Middle School Principal Michael Paolino. The information also was sent to families on Aug. 1 via U.S. mail.
Dear Hackett Middle School Families:
It is hard to believe that it is August, and the beginning of a new school year is right around the corner. I hope your summer vacation has been enjoyable, and you are eager for the start of school in September. The first day of school for all Hackett Middle School students will be Thursday, Sept. 4. Breakfast will begin at 7:30 a.m. and the school day will begin at 8:03 a.m. For students not eating breakfast at school, the main entrance will open at 7:40 a.m. The school day will conclude at 3 p.m.
Summer Transition Camp (grades 6-7)
Summer Transition Camp is a three-day program open to all students entering grades 6-7 at Hackett. The camp is designed to help students get off to a smooth start to the school year and will be held Aug. 18-20 from 8:30-11:30 a.m. each day. Students will learn strategies to enhance study skills and note-taking abilities and engage in various team-building activities designed to promote a safe and secure learning environment. Students who have not yet submitted an application to participate in the Summer Transition Camp can still register by reporting to the cafe entrance of school on the first day, Monday, Aug. 18.
Summer orientation for all
Summer orientation for all grades will be Thursday, Aug. 21 from 6-8:30 p.m. This is an excellent time for parents, guardians and family members to learn more about changes being implemented at Hackett Middle School and to ask questions. It will begin with a general session in the auditorium to review academic expectations. Student schedules and locker assignments will also be provided at orientation.
Please note that schedules for all students and their parents or guardians who are unable to attend orientation will be provided on the first day of school. During orientation, parents, guardians and students will have time to become better acclimated with various school-related activities, including learning more about our new cell phone policy (see below), signing up for the extended-day program, meeting with representatives from CDTA, becoming a member of the Hackett PTA and more.
New this fall: student cell-phone use restrictions
This September, Hackett will join schools across New York State in placing building-wide restrictions on student cell phone use. In short, students will not have access to their personal cell phones and all other electronic devices throughout the entire school day. Here’s how it will work: students will receive a secure pouch in which to lock their devices when they arrive at school. All devices will be powered off and put into the pouch. Students will keep their own pouch for the day (either in their locker or in their own possession), and at the end of the day they will unlock their pouches, remove their electronic devices and place the pouch in a bin that will remain at school.
If you need to reach your child during the school day, call school and we will get a message to your child. If your child wants to call you, they may use a designated phone in the main office, guidance office and/or an administrator’s office. For more information and an FAQ, visit albanyschools.org/cell-phone-use. Time will be allocated during our Summer Orientation for students and parents to ask additional questions.
We began initiating the restrictions during the 2025 summer school session. Once the restrictions are fully implemented, and after the initial adjustment, we believe Hackett will see improvement in school climate and student safety, wellness, behavior, engagement and academic performance.
Fall modified sports
Registration is now open for students in grades 7-8 who want to try out for a fall sport. During the fall 2025 athletic season, the City School District of Albany will offer modified football, boys' soccer, girls' soccer, boys' cross country, girls' cross country or volleyball.
Visit albanyschools.org/athletics for more information about fall sports, a list of coaches and a link to Final Forms, the portal to our online athletics registration. The district will offer free physicals on Aug. 15 and Aug. 19 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Albany High School. Pre-registration is not required. You can also make an appointment at any of our school-based health centers; learn more at albanyschools.org/centers.
Transportation
Students continue to be eligible for transportation to and from school if they live 1.5 miles or more from school and/or if their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) requires specialized transportation. Students receiving specialized transportation will ride school buses operated by First Student. All other eligible students will ride CDTA.
Students eligible to ride CDTA will have their student ID activated to use as their bus pass. CDTA also allows a two-week grace period at the start of each school year (through Friday, Sept. 19) when all students are allowed to ride. CDTA will continue to provide tripper buses for our students in the morning and afternoon; eligible students also can ride any regular CDTA bus using their activated student IDs. Student ID badges will be provided to all students on the first day of school.
Student supply lists
Find school supply lists at albanyschools.org/supplies.
Back-to-school barbecue
Similar to previous years, we would like to celebrate the start of the school year by hosting an outdoor barbecue for our students on Friday, Sept. 12. Students will receive a hamburger or hot dog, bag of chips, fresh fruit, milk and an ice cream sundae courtesy of Stewart’s Shops. To ensure a successful barbecue, we encourage parents and guardians to volunteer to assist in preparing the lunches. If you are interested, please contact the Hackett Middle School PTA at hackettpta@gmail.com.
Important dates and events
Besides the dates mentioned in the previous paragraphs, please mark your calendar for:
- Our first PTA meeting – Wednesday, Sept. 10, 6:30 p.m.
- PTA meeting – Wednesday, Oct. 1, 6:30 p.m.
- No school (Yom Kippur) – Thursday, Oct. 2
- No school (Rosh Hashana) – Tuesday, Sept. 23
- No school (Columbus/Indigenous Peoples’ Day) – Monday, Oct. 13
- Picture days – Wednesday, Oct. 15 and Thursday, Oct. 16
- Halloween Teen Night – Friday, Nov. 7, 6-8:15 p.m.
Once again, I am excited and looking forward to the start of the school year. Please feel free to contact the school should you have any additional questions.
Sincerely,
Michael Paolino, Principal
