AP Highlights
May 15, 2026 #AP_EveryStudentEveryDay
FOURTH GRADERS EXPLORE MUSIC AT AMS INSTRUMENT PETTING ZOO
More than 75 APCSD fourth grade students and their families recently attended the annual Instrument Petting Zoo at AMS. Students were able to try instruments that will be available through the fifth grade BOC (Band, String Orchestra & Chorus) program and future music opportunities in the District. Special thanks to John Keal Music, the APHS Music Club and AMS student musician volunteers for helping make the event possible.
TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT EXPANDS IPAD ACCESS TO SUPPORT PROJECT-BASED LEARNING
As part of APCSD’s continued focus on distraction-free learning, the technology program has expanded access to secure, school-owned iPads to support project-based learning opportunities in classrooms. Prior to this school year, iPads were primarily allocated for special education programming. The devices are now also being used in APHS science, English and art classes to support multimedia and creative learning experiences. Art and photography teacher Logan Kline demonstrated how students can use the devices and Apple Pencils to create digital artwork, record time-lapse videos of their artistic process and narrate their work. The District thanks Principal Heath Quiles for assisting with acquiring Apple Pencils, with a huge thank you to Dir. of Technology, Travis Malone, and department for preparing, labeling, securing and distributing the devices for classroom use.
GRADES 3-6 MEET KATHERINE APPLEGATE
AP elementary schools recently gathered at AMS for a visit with Newbery Medal-winning author Katherine Applegate. Students in grades 3-6 heard from the bestselling author of “The One and Only Ivan” and “The One and Only Bob,” both previously featured as part of WSL’s One School, One Book program. Students also presented Applegate with handmade sculptures and artwork inspired by her books. The District thanks Northshire Bookstore, District librarians and Mrs. Strano for supporting the visit and helping create a meaningful experience for students.
PES K-KIDS VISIT DOORS OF HOPE
PES K-KIDS recently visited Doors of Hope to learn more about community service and organizations that support local families in need. Students helped organize the shop, learned about the organization’s mission and explored the importance of helping others in the community. Students also received a special gift from the store during the experience. The District extends its thanks to the staff and volunteers at Doors of Hope, along with the owner and staff of Doby's Submarines and APCSD transportation staff for helping support the trip.
ELEMENTARY TEAMS PREPARE FOR GIRLS ON THE RUN 5K
The spring Girls on the Run cohort recently completed a practice 5K at APHS alongside families, staff and community members. Personalized signs created with supportive messages from the broader school community lined the course, while members of the varsity softball team volunteered to help track laps and cheer runners on at the finish line. Girls on the Run is a national program focused on building confidence, teamwork and healthy habits, culminating in a non-competitive 5K celebration run May 17 in Albany.
SERVICE ACADEMY INFORMATION NIGHT SCHEDULED AT RPI
The APHS Counseling Center is sharing information about the upcoming Capital Region Service Academy Information Night hosted by the office of Kirsten Gillibrand on Monday, May 18, from 6-8 p.m. at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. The event will provide students and families with information about the nation’s service academies, ROTC opportunities and cybersecurity-related academic programs. The deadline to apply and submit all materials in consideration for a nomination is Sunday, October 12, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET.
CONCERT BAND PARTICIPATES IN REGIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL
The APHS Concert Band recently traveled to Ithaca College School of Music to participate in the Affiliate Regional Music for All Festival. During the event, students participated in instrument-specific master classes led by college professors, explored the School of Music, listened to performances by other ensembles and performed at Ford Hall. The band also took part in an evaluated performance and clinic with adjudicators.
Community members will have an opportunity to hear the Concert Band perform again during the APHS Spring Concert on May 20 at 6:30 p.m. in the high school auditorium.
AMS ANNOUNCES Q3 HONOR ROLLS
Congratulations to all AMS students named to the Quarter 3 honor roll for their hard work and academic achievement this school year. As the school year continues, the District recognizes all AMS students for the respect, effort and actions they demonstrate each day in and out of the classroom.
BIOLOGY CLASSES PARTICIPATE IN VASCULAR HEALTH AWARENESS DAY
APHS biology students recently participated in Vascular Health Awareness Day workshops led by health professional volunteers. During the event, students learned about healthy lifestyles, wellness habits and vascular disease prevention through presentations and discussions focused on long-term health and preventative care.
CLASS OF 2027 SENIOR PORTRAITS SCHEDULED FOR AUGUST 24-27
Senior portrait scheduling is now open for appointments on August 24-27, 2026. Session 1 is recommended as it is the only session where all options are available at the school. Students unable to attend school sessions may schedule online for an appointment at their Clifton Park studio.
*Please note: Yearbook-Only studio sessions must be scheduled through the Upstate Images customer service team.
- View Class of 2027 Senior Letter
- Schedule Senior Session Online
- Customer Service: 1-855-773-3321
AMS HOSTS MENTAL HEALTH FAIR
AMS students and staff recently participated in a Mental Health Fair in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month. The event provided opportunities for students to learn about mental wellness, self-care and available supports while encouraging positive conversations surrounding mental health and well-being.
The District thanks the many community organizations that participated in the event, including NOpiates, Rensselaer County Department of Health and St. Peter's Crime Victim Services, along with the additional agencies and representatives who supported students throughout the day.
TEAMSTERS LOCAL 294 BRINGS CDL SIMULATOR TO APHS
APHS students recently explored careers in transportation and skilled trades during a visit from Teamsters Local 294. Their mobile training center, featured a CDL simulator that gave students hands-on exposure to commercial driver training.
PODCAST: 2026-27 SCHOOL BUDGET
On this episode of the Every Student Every Day Podcast Superintendent Dr. James Franchini welcomes Carrie Nyc-Chevrier and Matt Hladun to discuss the 2026-27 proposed budget and upcoming budget vote on May 19, 2026.
Find us wherever you listen to podcasts, just search for “Every Student Every Day Podcast.”
BLOSTEIN RECOGNIZED AS GRAMMY MUSIC EDUCATOR LEGACY APPLICANT
APCSD Music Director Michael Blostein was recently recognized as a legacy applicant for the 2027 Music Educator Award presented by the Recording Academy and Grammy Museum. The national recognition honors educators who have made a significant and lasting contribution to music education and continued support of school music programs.
SADD CLUB HOSTS PRE-PROM ASSEMBLY
Juniors and seniors at the high school attended their pre-prom assembly hosted by the SADD Club. Presenters Jacy Good and Steve Johnson from Hang Up and Drive shared their powerful story and highlighted the very real impact of distracted driving. It was an incredibly meaningful presentation for our students ahead of prom weekend.
STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN NATIONAL VOLUNTEER MONTH CHALLENGE
APHS students recently participated in the school’s National Volunteer Month challenge, contributing volunteer hours through a variety of community service efforts. Congratulations to Samantha Esslie, who recorded the most volunteer hours during the challenge and received a $25 Dunkin’ gift card. The District thanks all students who participated and contributed toward the school’s goal of 1,000 volunteer hours.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE CLASSES PRESENT SUSTAINABILITY PROJECTS
APHS Environmental Science students recently presented campus sustainability projects during lunch periods in recognition of Earth Week. Student projects focused on improving the school’s composting program, reducing plastic and textile waste, expanding native plantings and green spaces, protecting the wetland ecosystem near the bus loop and increasing environmental awareness throughout the school community.
CONGRESSIONAL ART COMPETITION RECOGNIZES APHS STUDENTS
APHS students Spencer Sweet, Lana Valachovic and Anastazia Valachovic recently had artwork selected for the Congressional Art Competition hosted by Paul Tonko. During the May 1 opening reception, Anastazia Valachovic, a junior at APHS, earned an honorable mention for her pastel piece titled “...And Still They Laugh.”
HIGH SCHOOL CELEBRATES DURING FINAL CLASS MEETINGS
APHS celebrated student achievement during its final class meetings of the year. 80% of students are currently passing all classes, while more than 100 students received “I Make AP a Great Place to Be” awards.
STUDENTS BUILD LIFE AND WORKPLACE SKILLS
Students in Mrs. Ferlito’s program participated in experiences both in the classroom and in the community focused on building independence, workplace readiness and everyday life skills.
Each Monday, students complete community-based work at Unbreakable Nutrition, where owner Sarah Wehnau recently gave students the opportunity to create their own specialty drinks. In the classroom, students also practiced cooking and food preparation skills by making homemade strawberry jam.
AMS HOLDS COURTYARD CLEANUP FOR EARTH DAY
AMS students and staff recently participated in an after-school Courtyard Cleanup in recognition of Earth Day. Members from Modified Lacrosse, Science Club, Nature Club and CARES worked together to rake, weed and prepare the courtyards for upcoming spring gardening activities. The collaborative effort helped prepare outdoor spaces for future student projects while promoting teamwork and environmental stewardship.
HORTICULTURE STUDENTS TOUR SUNY COBLESKILL GREENHOUSES
The horticulture program recently toured four greenhouses at SUNY Cobleskill to learn more about plant science and greenhouse operations. During the visit, students explored how the college prepares for its annual plant sale, conducts experiments involving plant growth and soil, cultivates native wildflowers and operates hydroponic systems used to grow tomatoes.
The experience also helped students prepare for the APHS Horticulture Program’s annual plant sale, which will take place during the District’s budget vote on May 19.
COMMUNITY EDUCATION CLASSES
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.
SPONSOR A CHILD'S WEEKEND MEALS: APCSD ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS BACKPACK 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 CSD
Website: averillpark.k12.ny.us
Location: 146 Gettle Road, Averill Park, NY, USA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AverillParkCentralSchoolDistrict/
Twitter: @AverillParkCSD
Instagram: @averillparkcsd