AP Highlights

Averill Park High School music students recently took part in the Empire State Plaza Music in Our Schools Month concert series. The performance featured the Concert Band, Jazz Ensemble, Orchestra, Treble Choir and Concert Choir. The series, held each March, invites school music programs from across New York to perform at the Empire State Plaza, providing students with an opportunity to share their music with the broader community.

n March 4th, five AP Robotics teams competed at the Northern New York State VEX Robotics Championship in Syracuse. The event brought together many of the top teams from across the region, and our students represented the program extremely well throughout a long and competitive day of qualification and elimination matches. Read full article on the District website

On this episode of the Every Student Every Day podcast, Superintendent Dr. James Franchini sits down with Transportation Director Mark Premo, and drivers Karmen Reynolds, Keith Hammond, Ed Gray and Kenroy Grant to discuss how the job is more than transportation—it’s about shaping students’ days, providing consistency, and forming connections with families over many years. The episode also explains how easy it is to get started, with paid training and opportunities for both full-time and substitute drivers.

Find us wherever you listen to podcasts, just search for “Every Student Every Day.”

Students recently shared mineral research projects during a presentation session hosted by Ms. Krug and Ms. Kehn. Students explored where their selected minerals are found geographically, what they are made of, their uses, and their physical and molecular composition. Each presentation also included a fun fact, showing that even when students selected the same favorite mineral, they discovered different and unique details.

Nancy Dunn, an Averill Park alumna, attended the presentations with her son, Mike. During the visit, Mike spoke with students about how careers similar to his stepfather’s in geology and mineralogy can lead to opportunities to travel around the world.

The visit served as a follow-up to the school’s rock and mineral display honoring Dr. James R. Dunn.

• Learn more about the rock and mineral display honoring Dr. Dunn

Students connected with local athletes and professionals during Women’s Wednesday

tabling during lunch. Participants included a research technician & member of the Hellions

of Troy Roller Derby, a physician assistant student, our girls varsity soccer coach and former Division I athlete, our athletics secretary and former Division I soccer player, and a college lacrosse athlete who is pursuing a degree in physical education and health.

Congratulations to Golden Knights of the week, Anna Cronin & Tyler Bradley!

• Anna Cronin, scored 12 points and recorded four steals in a 46-29 win over Schalmont to help lead the team to the Section 2 Class A Semifinals.
• Tyler Bradley, averaged 30 points, 11 rebounds and four steals in wins over Cohoes and Watervliet, helping the Golden Knights advance to the Section 2 Class A Semifinals.

Nine Averill Park varsity teams have earned the NYSPHSAA Scholar-Athlete Team Award. To qualify, at least 75 percent of a team’s roster must maintain a collective grade point average of 90.00 or higher during their sports season. The recognition highlights the strong academic commitment of Averill Park student-athletes and is awarded to varsity teams during the fall, winter and spring seasons.

The Averill Park Athletic Department will host the 9th Annual Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Dinner on Friday, April 24, 2026, at Old Daley on Crooked Lake. The evening will begin with a reception and cash bar at 6:00 p.m., followed by a buffet dinner at 7:00 p.m. and the induction ceremony at 8:00 p.m. Community members and businesses also have the opportunity to support the event and the Averill Park athletic program by placing an advertisement in the Hall of Fame program.

• HOF Invite: Tickets are $75 and must be reserved by April 1.
• Program Advertising Agreement Form: Advertising submissions are due by April 1.

For more information, contact the Averill Park Athletic Department.

Nine Averill Park High School art students have been selected for the 27th Annual High School Regional Juried Art Exhibition at Albany Center Gallery. A total of 127 works were chosen from 515 submissions representing 27 school districts.

APHS is hosting a clothing swap to promote sustainability and encourage the reuse of clothing.

The event is meant to highlight how choosing secondhand clothing can help reduce waste and support environmental sustainability. Community members can contribute by bringing a bag of gently used clothing to Averill Park High School. For more information, contact Louisa Sorriento at sorrientol@apcsd.org

APHS Key Club recently hosted a Recruitment Day during advisory, welcoming students to learn more about the club while enjoying donuts and bagels. Students also spent time playing with a visiting puppy and making dog toys that will be donated to support local animals. The event provided a fun opportunity for students to connect while learning about service and ways to get involved.

APHS horticulture students have the greenhouse up and running and kicked off their first harvest sale. They sold organic kale for $5, to support projects to “green-a-fye” the school. Additional harvests of parsley, spinach, and lettuce are expected in the coming weeks.

Students from the AMS and APHS SADD clubs attended the Northeastern Community Action Partnership’s 8th annual Youth Summit on March 5 at the Albany Capital Center. AMS students attended with Mr. DeNisio and APHS students attended with Mrs. Finkel. The summit brought together students from across the region to participate in discussions and activities focused on leadership, empowerment and making a positive impact in their communities.

The District’s Grade 7-12 World Languages Department recently held its 17th annual International Potluck dinner in the Algonquin Middle School cafeteria. Over 100 parents, students, and teachers enjoyed sampling home-cooked food from around the world.

APHS student Ryann Russo recently assisted Ms. Marchello during a physical education tennis lesson. Ryann, who plays tennis outside of school, helped demonstrate techniques and shared her skills with students as they learned the fundamentals of the sport.

Algonquin Middle School recently presented Shrek the Musical Jr. with performances on March 6 and March 7. The production featured a talented cast of middle school students who brought the well-known story and characters to life on stage for the school community.

Algonquin Middle School celebrated Foreign Language Week 2026 by highlighting the importance of learning languages and exploring cultures from around the world. Faculty shared the languages they studied, when they learned them and how those experiences have influenced their lives. Decorations throughout the school reflected the theme, including a display case featuring the word “welcome” in many different languages. The Golden Knight in the lobby also joined in the celebration, showing off some world language spirit.

This March, the AMS Library is highlighting books that celebrate the courage, creativity, and determination of women who shaped history and continue to make an impact today. Students are invited to explore stories of trailblazers who proved that one person can make a difference.

To recognize America’s 250th anniversary, the Algonquin Middle School Student Council ordered a flag that was flown over the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C. The flag and its official certificate are now on display in the AMS main foyer. The display commemorates the nation’s milestone anniversary and reflects the Student Council’s efforts to honor the United States and support the school community.

Six Algonquin Middle School eighth grade students were honored with the Sandra G. Morley Physical Education Leadership Award from the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. The award recognizes students who demonstrate leadership, sportsmanship and a commitment to an active and healthy lifestyle while serving as positive role models in their school community.

Students at Miller Hill Sand Lake spent February celebrating Random Acts of Kindness Month. From kindness challenge BINGO and friendship breakfasts to writing notes to younger students and creating a chain of kindness, MHSL students spread positivity throughout their classrooms, school, and community.

Poestenkill Elementary School and West Sand Lake Elementary School launched their One School, One Book initiatives this month. PES students are reading Lulu and the Brontosaurus by Judith Viorst and participating in activities connected to the story, including writing their first impressions of the main character on sticky notes displayed in the hallway. WSL students are reading Bad Food: Game of Scones by Eric Luper, who will visit the school later this month.

PES Kindergarten students recently used code.org to practice the basics of block coding during an activity organized by librarian Ms. Duffy. Students created simple algorithms, or step-by-step instructions for the computer, while also practicing how to navigate using touch pads and mice. These activities help build early problem-solving and digital literacy skills.

First grade students from Mrs. Zalucky’s class partnered with third graders from Mrs. Guyer’s class for a reading buddies activity to celebrate Dr. Seuss’s birthday and Read Across America Day. Students shared stories together and enjoyed the rhymes and imaginative characters found in Dr. Seuss’s books.

Students at Poestenkill Elementary School recently met with their book buddies to read together and enjoy a popcorn snack provided by the PES PTA. The activity brought students from different grade levels together to share stories, build connections and celebrate reading.

The Averill Park Unified Bowling Team competed in its end-of-season culminating event on March 11, facing Salem, Granville and Ballston Spa in a four-team match. Averill Park finished in second place in a closely contested competition. Jackson Hayes rolled a 127 during the event, while Ethan Hollenbeck recorded a personal best score of 103. The competition capped off a successful season, highlighting the teamwork, effort and sportsmanship shown by the student-athletes.

APHS Key Club is encouraging community members to donate blood and help the club reach its goal of collecting 30 units. If the goal is reached, one senior will receive a $500 Red Cross scholarship. All donors will receive a $15 Amazon gift card. Donors must be at least 16 years old to participate, and 16-year-olds must have parental consent. Appointments can be scheduled in advance.

Admin, teachers and teaching assistants from across the Averill Park Central School District recently took part in AP Transforms 2026, a districtwide professional learning event featuring more than 45 sessions led by faculty and administrators. The day began with breakfast and included three one-hour learning sessions on topics such as sleep and the brain, artificial intelligence in education, the Epilepsy Foundation and the Yes I Can program. The event concluded with a full group gathering for reflection, recognition and raffles.

As part of AP Transforms 2026, members of the AMS and APHS technology departments toured the newly built Career and Technical Education facilities at Hudson Valley Community College. The visit allowed staff to see modern CTE learning spaces and begin thinking about opportunities to grow and expand technology and career-focused programs for Averill Park students in the future.

The District is proud to announce that Mike Blostein, Director of Instrumental Music at APHS, has been nominated for the Manilow Music Teacher Award! This award recognizes outstanding music teachers who bring music to life for their students. The top vote recipient will receive $10,000—$5,000 in cash and $5,000 in Manilow Bucks to purchase instruments. Please vote daily and help spread the word! Voting ends at 11:59 p.m. ET on March 19th. Vote now: https://on.barrymanilow.com/trk/mmpalbany

The Averill Park Central School District will elect two members to the Board of Education on May 19. Community members interested in serving on the board must submit nominating petitions by 5 p.m. on April 20. To obtain a nominating petition, contact the Board Clerk at 518-674-7066. Learn more about running for the school board on the District website.

The Averill Park School District has begun the process of registering students for the 2026-2027 kindergarten classes. If your child will be five years of age on or before Dec. 1, 2026, then please contact the Registrar at 518-674-7050, extension 7201 to make sure that the child is listed on our school census. This will guarantee that you will receive all upcoming kindergarten information by mail. Registration paperwork will be started online and completed by appointment with the Registrar at the District office at the Averill Park High School during the month of February. Registration hours are Monday-Friday from 8 AM to 3:30 PM.

New York State Public Health Law requires certain immunizations to enter kindergarten and attend school. Please check with your health care provider as soon as possible to make sure your child has all the needed immunizations. They are provided in the 2026-27 Kindergarten Registration Announcement.

Try something new or rekindle a former passion in 2026! View our Community Education Offerings for February & March.

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

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.

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Website: averillpark.k12.ny.us
Location: 146 Gettle Road, Averill Park, NY, USA
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