AP Highlights

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 District recently became the first in Rensselaer County to train all transportation staff in Narcan use and equip every bus with the medication. With a 100% DOT inspection pass rate and full staff certification in CPR, AED, and first aid, the team continues to set the standard for safety and professionalism. The District is currently hiring FT/PT and substitute bus drivers—visit our website to learn more.

AMS raised $861 as a result of Hannaford Helps Schools coupons collected and redeemed by our community and directed to the school. Thank you to all those who supported us during the 2025 Hannaford Helps Schools program!

On this episode of the Every Student Every Day Podcast, Dr. Franchini talks with Eugene O’Neill, APHS alumnus, muralist and art educator who is collaborating with students and teachers to complete a large mural at Algonquin Middle School.

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

Third graders at Miller Hill learned all about owls and dissected owl pellets with our special guests from Dyken Pond, Cat and Emily. This experience was the perfect way to wrap up our first chapter book, Poppy, where a brave mouse faces off with a Great Horned Owl!

Mrs. Rhatigan's class visited Engelke Farms and had a magical time. Special thanks to Mr. Smith, their wonderful bus driver, the families that chaperoned and Engelke Farms for hosting our students.

As part of Digital Citizenship Week, SRO Deputy Nikles visited TEAM classes at AMS to talk about internet safety, online predators and digital footprints. Students had great discussions about how AI is shaping online safety. Thank you, Deputy Nikles, for helping our students stay safe and informed!

• Mae Miller placed 2nd at the Rensselaer County Meet to lead Girls Cross Country to a 1st-place finish.
• Bryce Gaydushek qualified for the NYSPHSAA Golf Championship after finishing 3rd at Section 2 State Qualifiers.

Class flags were made, mantras and dances rehearsed and chanted, smiles were plentiful, with excitement and school community at an all time high. During their annual Fun Run, PES celebrated raising $50,000 for their school.

3rd graders at WSL used inside recess time to work together, without technology, promoting conversation, dialogue, and cooperation. They practiced a math strategy to reinforce arrays and their connection to math facts, combining teamwork with learning in a fun, hands-on way.

Drivers and attendants from the Transportation Department turned a school bus into a walk-through haunted house for the Trunk or Treat events at Miller Hill, WSL, and Poestenkill elementary schools. Students loved the haunted bus, riding through it multiple times for extra thrills.

The Miller Hill-Sand Lake School faculty and staff joined together for a Pink Out to show their support for the brave fighters, survivors and those we’ve lost to breast cancer.

WSL students took part in their annual Boosterthon Fun Run. Each lap completed helped raise funds to support school programs as WSL’s only fundraiser of the year. A great day of teamwork, fitness and fun!

• Nate Middleton (Football): Recorded 5 tackles for loss and a strip sack in a 62-12 win over Green Tech.
• Ellen Antolick (Girls Swimming): Placed 1st in the 200 IM and 2nd in the 500 free. Antolick was also a part of the winning 400 free relay team and the second place 200 IM relay team.

Registration for winter sports ends soon. Please make sure all winter student-athletes have their parent/guardian complete the Winter 2025-26 Registration Form by Sunday, November 2nd if they wish to play. https://students.arbitersports.com/.../averill-park...

Student-athletes must also have a current health physical (that is valid for the entire upcoming season) on file prior to the start of the season. Physicals are good for a period of 12 months. Student-athletes should have their physical performed by their primary care provider. If this is not possible please contact the APHS or AMS Health Office.

AP K-Kids are collecting food to support Kiwanis’ Thanksgiving Food Boxes and the Backpack Program. So far, about 340 items have been gathered, and donations are welcome through Monday, Nov. 3, the day of the rescheduled Harvest Run. Most-needed items include pasta, cereal, canned goods, peanut butter, and more. Thank you for helping our community!

Apples, cider, and donuts from Golden Harvest Farms in Valatie, N.Y., were enjoyed by all for the second year in a row — promoting healthy eating while supporting local agriculture.

October is National Bullying Prevention Month. At AMS, students created powerful public service announcement posters for the morning slideshow and a hallway bulletin board. Their messages remind us all to make our school a kinder place through our words and actions.

APHS held its annual Career Fair. Students in grades 9-12 were able to meet, talk with, and explore various career options. Representatives from the military, trades, colleges, and businesses were all in attendance. HVCC even brought their mobile unit to showcase some awesome emerging technologies!

If you would like to participate in the APHS career fair in the future, please reach out to Kyle Kozlowski, Career Fair Coordinator, at kozlowskik@apcsd.org

Missed our Financial Aid Night?

Watch the recording of our Virtual Financial Aid Program with Alicia Furlong from Siena College! Learn about the FAFSA, the aid process, and ways to make college more affordable.

Students in Math 6 classes at AMS, collaborated on ratio tables using vertical whiteboards to show their work in groups. Deep discussions and teamwork are helping them master new concepts together.

AMS students visited local facilities including Van Rensselaer Manor, The Eddy Hawthorne Ridge, Evergreen Commons, Daughters of Sarah, The Eddy Memorial Geriatric Center, and The Eddy Heritage House for a meaningful service-learning experience connecting with residents. We’re proud of our students for making a positive impact on the community.

Thursday morning, the Averill Park High School Treble Choir presented a special educational performance for Ms. Ryan’s and Ms. Rohl’s Exploring Music classes. The choir prepared and delivered a presentation about two of their pieces, giving classmates an inside look at the rehearsal and performance process.

One of the featured selections, “Ghost of John,” created a memorable experience as the singers surrounded the auditorium and performed in near darkness, with Choir Director Miss Eliashuk dimming the lights to enhance the song’s haunting reverb. The interactive session gave students a chance to learn about music interpretation, performance techniques, and collaboration.

Last week, the environmental science class and APHS Angler Club took a tour of the Bennington Fish Hatchery. They learned about how the facility raises the brown, brook, and rainbow trout from eggs until they are ready to be stocked in streams and lakes. Students had a great time observing the trout in their different life stages, feeding the fish, and seeing bald eagles fly overhead.

Five APHS students (Kate Cleary, Amelia Hicks, Sarah Novick-Toth, Emma Tripp and John Tripp, along with Mr. Blostein) spent Monday 10/13/25 at the MVP Arena, participating in the Albany Symphony Orchestra and Empire State Youth Orchestra "Side by Side" concert event. This event allows students the opportunity to rehearse and play in a large ensemble with members of the Albany Symphony, and is a wonderful opportunity to grow musically!

Olivia Harte, an environmental science student, recently created a detailed map of the entire school grounds, including interesting facts about the area. APHS Principal Heath Quiles loved her depiction so much that it is now on display in the main entrance foyer.

This project goes beyond art — it helps students observe ecosystems, understand human impact, and explore how resources are managed on our campus.

Senior Bryce Gaydushek qualified for the NYSPHSAA Boys Golf Championship taking place June 7th and 8th at Mill Creek Golf Club in Churchville. After shooting a 4 over par 76 at The Fairways of Halfmoon Bryce came back to shoot a 77 to finish in 3rd place at the Section 2 State Qualifier.

APHS Advanced Art Students Visited the Mass Museum of Contemporary Art (MoCA) where they participated in guided tours and explored galleries, viewing a variety of exhibits consisting of 2-D and 3-D contemporary artworks.

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.

Fall sports teams celebrated Senior Night. Seniors were recognized for their leadership, dedication and commitment to APHS athletics.

APHS music students welcomed acclaimed NYC jazz musician Bria Skonberg for a special visit. Skonberg performed solos, shared practice tips, and worked with the Treble Choir, Concert Band, and Jazz Ensemble, giving students a firsthand look at life as a professional musician. The visit was supported by Bach Trumpets and John Keal Music Co.

Honors biology classes participated in the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s “Day in the Life of the Hudson” event at Nutten Hook Preserve in Stuyvesant, New York.

Using seine nets, waders, and water-testing gear, students collected and analyzed scientific data on fish species, tides, currents, and water quality. Their work contributed to a larger study involving more than 100 sites from the Troy Dam to New York Harbor. The data, representing 160 miles of the Hudson River ecosystem, will be shared online in the coming days.

SUNY is excited to bring back Free Application Weeks! Beginning Monday, October 20th, and ending Monday, November 3rd, students can apply to up to five SUNY campuses with no application fee! Students can participate no matter which application vehicle they use. Details are available here: www.suny.edu/apply

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!

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 NØpiates Committee and Arts Letters & Numbers invite the community to the opening of Transformation Project ’25 on Saturday, Nov. 8. The free event features an opening ceremony at 3 p.m., a 4 p.m. performance by the Ellen Sinopoli Dance Company, and live art by Kristyn Logan. The exhibition highlights artists impacted by substance use disorder, celebrating creativity, healing, and connection.

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

Instagram: @averillparkcsd