AP Highlights

October is National Farm-to-School Month — a time to celebrate the connection between students, schools, and local farms. We're grateful to our incredible food service staff, our local farm partners, and our entire community for making these programs a success. During the fall, students join the Big Apple Crunch, biting into crisp, fresh apples from Golden Harvest Farms in Valatie. Through our Harvest of the Month program, cafeterias highlight a different locally-grown ingredient each month, showcasing seasonal favorites such as apples, squash, and dairy products. These initiatives not only introduce students to new flavors but also support local growers and foster healthy lifelong habits.

The AP community came together for a meaningful cause during the Averill Park Volleyball team’s annual Pink Out Game, held on 10/2. The event served as a night of remembrance, support, and unity for those impacted by breast cancer. Players, students, families, and staff filled the gym in pink attire, signed ribbons in tribute, and stood together to raise awareness.

• Elizabeth Cronin (Girls Cross Country) - Cronin was the overall winner of the 86th Grout Invitational at Central Park, finishing with a time of 17:01.4. Read more in the Times Union.
• Tyler Bradley (Football) - At quarterback, Bradley completed 7 of 8 passes for 129 yards and a touchdown, and ran for another score to lead Averill Park to a 35–0 victory over Chatham/Ichabod Crane.

The Algonquin Middle School Chess Club held its first meeting recently. Students enjoyed friendly chess matches and an appropriately-themed snack, Chessmen cookies.

Elementary School students celebrated Fire Prevention Week with hands-on lessons and demonstrations focused on lithium battery safety. At West Sand Lake Elementary School, the West Sand Lake Fire Department, joined by Sparky the Fire Dog and former student firefighters, taught safe evacuation techniques and fire precautions. Fifth grade students also visited the firehouse to see rescue tools in action, including the “jaws of life,” highlighting the importance of quick response. Thanks to Chief Frank Gazely and Assistant Chief Lee Crosier for making safety engaging and memorable.

Averill Park High School students wore bee suits to chemically treat their hives for mites, helping ensure the bees stay healthy through the winter. The encased hive, attached to the wall and marked by a colorful flower mural, allows bees to come and go freely, while any bees that flew away returned once the treatment was complete.

Poestenkill Elementary School has installed new Grade 4-5 pod furniture, creating a flexible, 21st-century learning environment for students. The project was made possible through the support of the Averill Park Education Foundation and the PES PTA. The District's technology department also played a key role in enhancing the space. The new area will be used throughout the school day and after hours for programs such as After School Explorers, K-Kid meetings and PTA events.

On this episode of the Every Student Every Day Podcast, Superintendent Dr. James Franchini talks with Sydney Jones, a new coach and teacher at Averill Park CSD, and Richard Abbatiello, a veteran coach with over five decades of experience. Find us wherever you listen to podcasts, including Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and more. Just search for "Every Student Every Day".

Congratulations to the newly elected Builders Club officers for 2025-2026: Geoffrey Griffin, President; Quinn Keegan, Vice President; Olive Noonan, Secretary; and Brianna Cardin, Treasurer. We look forward to another year of leadership, service, and community involvement!

Third graders at Miller Hill-Sand Lake Elementary School and their families enjoyed a night of math games, puzzles, and hands-on activities at Family Math Night. Students took home materials to continue practicing math facts, and volunteers from AMS, APHS, and the community helped make the event a fun evening.

Sl@AMS hosted a Pink Out to support breast cancer awareness. Club members sold bracelets and pins to raise funds for the Metastatic Breast Cancer Fund, showing school spirit while supporting a meaningful cause.

Students and staff at Averill Park High School enjoyed meeting Taylor, a 10-week-old Standard Poodle/Great Pyrenees mix available for adoption through Homeward Bound Dog Rescue. Mrs. Engel, who has fostered 660 puppies over 11 years, shared the joys of community service — and plenty of puppy kisses. For more information, visit www.homewardbounddogrescue.com.

The Averill Park High School Class of 2026 came together for the annual Senior Sunrise. Seniors gathered early to watch the sunrise, reflect on their journey, and celebrate a year ahead filled with memories, milestones, and achievements.

Poestenkill Elementary School students enjoyed an exciting character ed assembly this month, featuring BMX tricks and an important anti-bullying lesson centered on the Three R’s: Recognize, Respond, Report. Thanks to Dial Action Sports, the PTA, and all staff and students who helped make the assembly a memorable and inspiring event.

• Gabriel Mussett - (Boys Soccer) scored 3 goals to lead AP to a 8-2 victory over Troy.
• Caroline Laliberte - (Girls Volleyball) had 7 kills, 5 aces, 3 digs and 1 assist leading to a victory over Schenectady.

Algonquin Middle School students celebrated an after-school Spooktacular with cider, donuts, pumpkin painting, and a variety of games. Families and friends joined in the festivities, while parents, staff, and volunteers helped make the event a fun and memorable experience for all.

Averill Park CSD elementary schools are hosting the National Geographic Giant Traveling Map this school year, thanks to 4-H Youth Development and support from the Averill Park Education Foundation. The 20-foot-by-20-foot map offers fourth graders hands-on opportunities to explore New York State geography, science, and local features through interactive activities that promote curiosity and teamwork.

Averill Park High School’s junior and senior classes faced off in the annual Powderpuff Football Game. Under the lights, the two teams competed in a spirited game of flag football, cheered on by families, friends, and community members. Thank you to all the staff members, volunteers, and students who made the evening a success and helped carry on this beloved AP tradition.

The New York State School Boards Association has designated Oct. 13–17, 2025, as School Board Recognition Week, a time to promote awareness and appreciation for the important work of local school boards. Public schools form the foundation of our communities, and the Averill Park Central School District Board of Education plays a vital role in ensuring student success.

“Our board members serve with a deep sense of responsibility to our students, staff and community,” Superintendent Dr. James Franchini said. “They volunteer their time to make thoughtful decisions that guide our schools forward and ensure every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential.”

The work of school boards includes setting goals and a shared vision for the District, aligning policies and resources with those goals, monitoring student achievement, supporting a positive school culture and evaluating the superintendent to ensure continuous improvement. The District thanks its Board of Education members for their leadership, service and ongoing commitment to AP students and families.

The Averill Park Counseling Center will host a Virtual Financial Aid Program on Tuesday, Oct. 28, from 6 to 7 p.m. Alicia Furlong, assistant director of financial aid at Siena College, will share updates, tips and answers to questions about the FAFSA and college aid process. The APHS Counseling Office is also sharing information about SUNY’s free fall virtual information sessions, which run through November. Families can learn how to apply, explore SUNY campuses, review FAFSA information and get details about the Educational Opportunity Program. Register at suny.edu/studentevents

Honor your senior with a personalized yearbook ad! Create and purchase online at jostensyearbooks.com. Don’t forget to order your yearbook too. Questions? Email baileya@apcsd.org.

The National Honor Society induction ceremony will take place Thursday, Oct. 23, at 6:30 p.m. in the high school auditorium. Applicants will be notified of their selection beginning next week. Mandatory rehearsals for the ceremony will be held Wednesday, Oct. 22, and Thursday, Oct. 23, at 2:15 p.m. in the auditorium.

The Off Broadway Players (OBP) are bringing a fast-paced backstage comedy to the stage with This Murder Was Staged, written by two of the creators of The Alibis and Rogues’ Gallery. The show runs November 7 and 8 at 7 p.m. in the APHS Auditorium. Tickets are available at www.gofan.co (search APHS OBP) or at the door—grab yours early and bring your friends and family!

One alumnus and three staff members were recognized for demonstrating outstanding citizenship, leadership and community spirit. We are proud of their dedication and thank them for setting an example and helping make AMS a stronger, kinder community.

Averill Park High School will hold its annual Career Fair on Tuesday, Oct. 21, from 7:30–11 a.m. Students can attend with a class, during study hall, or advisory to meet representatives from local colleges, trades, unions, and employers. Those interested in hosting a table should contact Career Fair Coordinator Kyle Kozlowski at kozlowskik@apcsd.org.

The Averill Park Athletic Department, in partnership with the Averill Park Athletic Booster Club, is now accepting nominations for the Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2026. The Hall of Fame honors former athletes, coaches, teams, and contributors who have made a lasting impact on Averill Park athletics.

Any member of the public can nominate an athlete, coach, team, or contributor for induction assuming the criteria as outlined in the guidelines are met. Nominations are open from September 15 through November 15. The induction ceremony and dinner will take place on Friday, April 24, 2026, at Old Daley on Crooked Lake.

The Averill Park Counseling Center will offer an Active Parenting of Teens class at Algonquin Middle School on Monday and Wednesday evenings — Oct. 27, Oct. 29, Nov. 3, Nov. 5 and Nov. 10 — from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Sponsored by Rensselaer County Prevention, the class will focus on respectful discipline, clear and honest communication, and strategies to prevent risky behavior.

The Holiday Food & Toy Program, a Kiwanis project in partnership with APCSD, Hannaford Brothers Market in West Sand Lake, and Sgt. Walter Adams American Legion Hall (Post 1021), helps connect families in need with holiday support. Families who wish to participate should contact their child’s school counselor by Nov. 3. School counselors and nurses work closely with Kiwanis to ensure all information remains confidential. More details: Averill Park Kiwanis Holiday Program.

Averill Park CSD has collaborated with the Regional Food Bank for over 10 years. The District provides the Back Pack Program at all three of elementary schools. The Back Pack Program is designed to meet the needs of food insecure children on weekends when school meals are not available. The Program provides bags filled with food that is child-friendly, non-perishable, and easily prepared and consumed. Bags are packed weekly by school staff and volunteers then discreetly distributed to participating children every Friday afternoon. To learn how you can help sponsor a child’s weekend meals for an entire year, please visit

averillpark.k12.ny.us/services/averill-park-csd-backpack-program.

Averill Park Central School District is now hiring full-time and substitute employees for the 2025–26 school year. Open positions include teacher aides, bus drivers, custodial staff, and more—with great benefits and flexible schedules.

Averill Park Community Education’s fall brochure is here—featuring dance, fitness, sports, cooking, free finance courses, wellness, and more. Classes begin in mid-September, with both in-person and virtual options. Whether you want to try Qigong Infused Yoga, learn ballroom dance, play co-ed volleyball, or explore Medicare and retirement planning, there’s something for everyone.

View all offerings & register: https://www.familyid.com/organizations/averill-park-community-education

Have something you would like to see covered on the website/social media? Email Communications at belld@apcsd.org.

Website: averillpark.k12.ny.us
Location: 146 Gettle Road, Averill Park, NY, USA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AverillParkCentralSchoolDistrict/
Twitter: @AverillParkCSD

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