AP Highlights

On this episode of the Every Student Every Day Podcast,In this episode of the Every Student Every Day podcast, Superintendent Dr. James Franchini sits down with the top three earners of the PES Fun Run Fundraiser, who also served as Principals for the Day, along with Mr. Gela.

Find us wherever you listen to podcasts, including Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and more. Just search for "Every Student Every Day".

Five APHS students participated in the Area All-State Music Festival this weekend at Proctors in Schenectady. Abi Wadler and Dianna Parker as members of the chorus; Amelia Hein as a member of the concert band; Patrick Stawowy and Daniel McAlonie as members of the orchestra.

Each was accepted based upon the strength and challenge of their NYSSMA Solo performances in the spring as well as teacher recommendation, earning their spots among the strongest student musicians in the Capital Region. Students rehearsed for 4 hours on Friday, and again for 4 hours on Saturday, prior to performing early Saturday afternoon.

RPI’s The Forge visited our 6th-grade TEAM students this week and bringing the future of manufacturing to life. Representatives introduced students to 3D printing, laser cutting, and both additive and subtractive manufacturing. The Forge—RPI’s student-run makerspace equipped with more than 30 advanced 3D printers, laser cutters, and professional-grade tools—gave students a firsthand look at how design and engineering come together in real-world projects. Our students asked insightful questions and gained an exciting introduction to the trades, college experiences, and future career paths in technology and innovation.

AP Athletics recognized two standout cross-country athletes as its Golden Knights of the Week. Lucas Brown placed 66th in 16:59.8 out of 126 runners at the NYSPHSAA Class B Championships, while Mae Miller finished 45th in 19:41.4 in a field of 126 athletes at the same meet. Congrats to both students for their strong performances and dedication throughout the season.

APHS Freshman Elizabeth Cronin placed 69th out of 295 runners at the New York State Federation Cross Country Championship, finishing with a time of 20:07.1. Her performance capped a strong season and highlighted her as one of the top young runners in the state.

Girls from WSL, MH and AMS participated in the Girls on the Run 5K at Jennings Landing in Albany. This event shows off their dedication and hard work in training throughout the season. The GOTR program empowers girls to believe in themselves, create new friendships and give strategies of problem solving and relationships.

Hankle Trucking made a generous donation to local schools yesterday thanks to the initiative of a MHSL parent. The donation will support food pantries at AP schools, including AMS and the high school. A wonderful example of a local business helping neighbors in need.

MHSL held its annual Science Fair last week, showcasing the curiosity and creativity of young scientists. Students shared hands-on experiments, inventive projects, and impressive research with families and staff. It was a great celebration of learning, exploration, and scientific discovery.

Seventh graders stepped back in time for Colonial Day, enjoying a full day of hands-on activities that brought colonial America to life. Students explored math, ELA, social studies, science, LOTE, health, tech, PE, FACS, art, and music through projects like building whirligigs, making corn husk dolls and butter, creating gratitude jars, playing colonial games, and learning about colonial nutrition. Thanks to our teachers for creating an engaging day of history, creativity and fun.

Elissa and Sarah Wehnau, owners of Unbreakable Nutrition in West Sand Lake, start off our Grade 8 Shark Tank project based learning days, sharing their knowledge and experience as entrepreneurs in our community. We thank them for generously giving their time once again this year to support our students in their work.

After a week of prep, 8th graders took on the business world during AMS’ 7th annual Shark Tank event. Students spent two days designing companies, pitching products and negotiating with “Sharks.” The top four teams advanced to the final round with real community leaders, presenting in front of the whole grade.

Thank you to our Sharks: Stephen Clemens, Assemblyman Scott Bendett, Amanda Goyer, Michelle Garofolo and Kathy Slyer. Exposing our students to examples of entrepreneurship with direct ties to the AP community makes this project all the more impactful. View the '25 AMS Shark Tank Photo Gallery

The APTA LAP committee hosted a new teacher dinner celebrating AP's newest members at the elementary, middle school and high school levels.

Thank you all for supporting the 2nd annual Algonquin's Got Talent Show. AMS raised over $1,700 for the school food pantry! There were great performances by many students & social studies teachers Mr. Morehouse and Mr. Anderson. Thank you to Ms. McAvoy and Ms. Manna for putting together such a wonderful showcase of talents.

On this episode of the Every Student Every Day podcast, Superintendent Dr. James Franchini sits down with Troy PD Detective, Capital District Drug Enforcement Task Force member, and APHS alumnus Justin Ashe.

Find us wherever you listen to podcasts, including Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and more. Just search for "⁠Every Student Every Day⁠".

The counseling center invites students and their families to attend one of two SUNY Financial Aid Days. SUNY campus experts across the state will be hosting in-person events on November 22nd and December 6th. These events are free and open to all New Yorkers seeking hands-on assistance with FAFSA completion, regardless of whether they applied to SUNY or the campus hosting the event. Students can register at SUNY Student Events.

Got a dollar? Help a child.

From 11/21 to 12/19, the AMS Kiwanis Builders Club is selling "Bells of Life" during lunch. All proceeds go to the Albany Medical Center PICU.

Try something new or rekindle a former passion in 2026! View our Community Education Offerings for December & January

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

The APHS Junior Class is hosting a Parents' Night Out Fundraiser on Friday, December 5 from 5-8:30 PM at the high school. The cost is $25 per student, and includes snacks, drinks, and pizza. All proceeds benefit the APHS Junior Class. There will be a variety of games, activities, and movies for students to partake in, and we will have high school volunteers leading the fun. This is a great opportunity to get some shopping done, or have a nice dinner out!

Spots are limited! In order to reserve your spot, please complete this form and drop it off, with payment, at the high school main office- 146 Gettle Road. Cash or checks made out to "APHS Class of 2027".

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.

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