AP Highlights

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.

Algonquin Middle School hosted a Celebration of the Arts on Thursday, Jan. 15, featuring student artwork, live performances by the AMS Jazz Band and the unveiling of the school’s new Golden Knight mural. The event, held in the school cafeteria, brought together students, families, alumni and community members to recognize creativity, inclusion and school pride.

The mural unveiling marked an important milestone in the district’s transition to its new mascot. The event was supported by the AMS Student Council and the AP Education Foundation, with snacks and beverages provided by the Algonquin Parent Organization.

School leaders across the district participated in a professional learning workshop focused on the Multi-Tiered System of Supports, or MTSS. The workshop gave administrators an opportunity to deepen their understanding of how data, early intervention and collaborative problem-solving can be used to improve outcomes for all students. District leaders will continue this work as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen student support systems.

Congratulations to our Golden Knights of the Week, Landen Welcome and Isabel Moore! Both athletes represent our wrestling program and demonstrated incredible skill on the mat.

Landen placed 2nd at the Schenectady Invitational in the 126 lb weight class and secured a key victory against Ballston Spa.

Isabel also earned a 2nd place finish at the Dames and Devils Scramble Tournament at 132 lbs and followed it up with a win against Guilderland. We are proud of their hard work and dedication.

On this episode of the Every Student Every Day podcast, Superintendent Dr. James Franchini speaks with Eva Santacroce, Tessa Keeler, and Valentino Strano, three Averill Park High School students who have gone beyond traditional classroom learning through exceptional extracurricular and off-campus experiences.

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

At PES, second and eighth grade pen pals enjoyed a wonderful morning together as they finally met in person! The students gathered to read "Snowmen at Night" and create a fun snowman craft. They worked side by side on a fun “Would You Rather” activity and a word search. It was a memorable experience that allowed the pen pals to connect, build friendships, and get to know one another beyond their letters.

Students at MHSL were flipping, balancing and building confidence during the gymnastics unit in physical education class. The unit gave students a chance to stay active while developing strength, coordination and teamwork.

MHSL students, WSLE K-Kids, AMS Builders Club members, their families, and Kiwanis member Pat Lane, participated in the annual MLK Day of Service at Miller Hill Sand Lake Elementary School. Volunteers created care bags for Joseph’s House and local homeless shelters, made dog toys, painted kindness rocks and assembled cards for veterans to receive during Honor Flight trips.

AP Robotics competed in a high-level regional tournament at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, facing off against 35 robots from across the area. All five teams gained valuable experience in a fast-paced environment and will next compete in Queensbury on Feb. 7.

The Averill Park 5111A robot, built and operated by Parker Dupuis, Roy Wajda, Michael Hughes, and Xander Ngin, finished 10th overall after the qualifying matches, placing the team firmly in the top third of the competition.

The Averill Park 5111B robot, consisting of Winter Colwill, Connar Benson, David Ghosio, and Dillon Benson, also had a competitive showing, finishing 16th overall in the final standings.

The PES 4/5 pod learning space, made possible by an APEF Grant and the PTA, was completed over the break with the purchase of eight stools by the PTA. Special thanks to the PES PTA for helping to complete this multi-purpose space within the building. Teachers and students use the space daily for a variety of purposes.

AMS students attended the annual STOP Conference — Students Together Opposing Prejudice — at Siena College, where they joined peers from across the Capital Region in workshops and discussions focused on combating bias, intolerance and discrimination. School Counselor Katelyn Baker and faculty members Erin Fitch, Maryann Reese and Chrissy Perrotta praised the students for their thoughtfulness and leadership, and thank parents & guardians for supporting the opportunity.

AMS held Golden Way Assemblies for all students and staff. At the assemblies, staff members Wendy Kerwin and Peggy Morgans were recognized as "Golden Knights of Distinction" for their tireless dedication to students. The District thanks them for all that they do each day.

The Student Leadership Team has continued to celebrate Winter Traditions Around the World through January. Tabling events have highlighted holidays observed by cultures and communities across the globe, including Kwanzaa, Three Kings Day, and Boxing Day.

AP Athletics recognizes two standout student-athletes as Golden Knights of the Week for their performances on the wrestling mat.

Vika Grovenger earned the honor for girls wrestling after a strong showing at 126 pounds, defeating her opponent from Burnt Hills by a 10-4 decision.

On the boys side, Aiden Meissner had impactful victory at 144 pounds. Meissner pinned his opponent from Burnt Hills, a result that played a key role in helping Averill Park secure a 39-32 team victory.

Sixth-grade student Sammy helped AMS celebrate Braille Literacy Month. Sammy created a video for the Golden Way Assembly and led Braille demonstrations during lunch periods, teaching peers about Braille and accessibility.

View the video Sammy made with her teacher, Ms. Pedersen: https://drive.google.com/.../1dcManC6h32TCWGsVffg7lr.../view

Superintendent Dr. Franchini visited WSL to read Sneezy the Snowman, a student-favorite story that the class eagerly selected once again. The book holds special meaning for students after it was previously read by Mr. Hladun before the December break, along with a memorable story that continues to make the class laugh.

APHS students Gianna Pietrafesa and Krista Fucile participated in the BOCES New Visions Student Health Science Fair at the Capital District YMCA in East Greenbush. Pietrafesa presented on spray-on skin, while Fucile shared research on nicotine pouches, engaging community members and building communication and presentation skills.

WSLE K-Kids worked on promoting two service initiatives. They made posters reminding our school community to donate hats, gloves, mittens, and scarves for their “Warm Hands Warm Hearts” drive throughout the month of January.

Additionally, K Kids made posters encouraging students to bring a canned good item to participate in their “SOUP-er Bowl” drive. Students are invited to place a vote for their favored team in the Super Bowl while donating to help others in need.

Second graders in Ms. Harnden and Mrs. McCue’s class at Miller Hill teamed up with their fifth-grade buddies in Mrs. McComb and Mrs. Spooner’s class to showcase their creativity during the fifth annual Recycle-Fest. The event encourages students to transform recyclable items brought from home, including egg cartons, cardboard boxes, toilet paper tubes and fabric scraps, into original creations. Recycle-Fest was first launched by Miller Hill graduate Tommy Culnan when he was a second grader. This year’s projects ranged from animals and robots to ships, castles and rocket ships, highlighting imagination, collaboration and environmental awareness.

The Rensselaer County Mental Health Student Assistance Program has provided an informational resource focused on youth vaping and nicotine use. The document outlines common signs and challenges associated with vaping, steps families can take to support students who want to quit, and trusted resources for both parents and teens.

The goal of this information is to support student well-being through education, early intervention and access to community-based help. We encourage families and students to review the material together and reach out to their pediatrician, school support staff or listed resources with any questions or concerns.

RCMH Student Assistance Program- Parent Information – Vaping.pdf

APCSD Counseling Center

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.

Have something happening at your school that you would like to see covered on the website or social media? Email Communications at belld@apcsd.org.

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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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