AP Highlights

On April 24, the APHS Jazz Ensemble wrapped up Jazz Appreciation Month with a performance and two clinics at the Shenendehowa Jazz Festival. Now in its 22nd year, the festival brings internationally recognized artists to the Capital Region to work with student musicians.

This year’s experience included clinics with regional artists Bob Halek and Tyler Giroux, along with international guest artist Jeff Coffin. Coffin, a member of Dave Matthews Band and Béla Fleck and the Flecktones, is a three-time Grammy Award winner and educator at Vanderbilt University. Students gained valuable feedback and insight while working alongside accomplished performers and educators.

The Averill Park Athletic Department hosted its 9th Annual Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on April 24 at Old Daley on Crooked Lake, celebrating the Class of 2026. The class includes five standout student-athletes and one championship team. Families, alumni and community members gathered to honor the inductees and reflect on their impact across generations of Averill Park athletics.

View the full Class of 2026 and read more about each inductee: https://www.averillpark.k12.ny.us/programs/athletics/athletics-hall-of-fame/class-of-2026/

The APHS auditorium was filled with energy last weekend during the annual Mr. AP competition, a long-standing tradition supporting the senior class. This year’s “Decades” themed production featured eight contestants participating in a variety of performances and activities throughout the evening.

Congratulations to Alex Perala, who was named Mr. AP 2026.

Students at AMS came together for an evening of music and dancing at the Student Council Dance.

Thank you to Algonquin’s Student Council for organizing a well-attended event that fostered connection and school spirit.

The APHS Jazz Ensemble performed for a full audience during its annual Jazz Coffeehouse in the high school cafeteria. Students formed small combos and performed a variety of jazz selections, highlighting their musicianship and collaboration in a live setting. The event remains a popular tradition and a favorite among community members.

From coding and hands-on activities to using online databases for research, students engage with tools that support curiosity and critical thinking. At PES, MHSL, WSL, AMS and APHS, these spaces offer inviting settings for reading, collaboration and independent study, with well-organized collections and flexible layouts designed to support a range of learning needs. National Library Week highlights what these spaces represent year-round, places that encourage exploration, creativity and a lasting appreciation for reading.

APCSD recognized Administrative Professionals Day by thanking the dedicated individuals who support the daily operations of our schools and offices. From greeting families and assisting students to managing communications and keeping each building running smoothly, their work is essential to the success of our school community.

WSL welcomed author Eric Luper as part of its One School, One Book program. Students spent the month of March reading Bad Food: Game of Scones, with the visit serving as a culminating event to the shared reading experience. Supported by the school’s Character Education Committee, the program gave students the opportunity to connect with the author and deepen their engagement with the book.

The April PES Pride Assembly, centered on the word of the month, integrity. Students also heard a special presentation from Mr. Kiefer, also known as Dr. Billy Boxworthy, who shared what integrity looks like in everyday life.

Kindergarten students at PES completed mini research projects in the library, learning the basics of research and citing sources. Each student explored an assigned illness, shared three facts and created a drawing to accompany their work. Students used PebbleGO to support their research, which can be accessed through the Elementary Library webpage: https://www.averillpark.k12.ny.us/elementary-library/

Fourth grade students are invited to explore the world of music at the Averill Park Instrument Petting Zoo, courtesy of John Keal Music. The event will take place Tuesday, May 5, from 5–7 p.m. in the Algonquin Middle School cafeteria. Students will have the opportunity to try a variety of instruments with guidance from music staff and representatives, helping them discover what they may be interested in playing as they begin their musical journey.

On the latest episode of the Every Student Every Day Podcast, Superintendent Dr. James Franchini is joined by APHS Principal Heath Quiles, School Counselor Tara Arsenault and science teacher Karyn Rees to discuss the continued growth of Averill Park’s College in the High School program. https://youtu.be/rMkCOslgwgM

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

The Averill Park Coding Club competed in the Siena High School Programming Contest on Friday at Siena University. Working in teams, students tackled a series of programming challenges, testing their problem-solving, collaboration and coding skills against schools from across the region. The long-running competition, which dates back to the 1980s, continues to draw strong participation each year. The District is proud of our students for their effort, teamwork and perseverance. Learn more: https://contest.sienacs.com/

Twenty-four APHS Jazz Ensemble students traveled to Philadelphia to participate in the National Jazz Festival, joining 88 schools from across the Northeast to perform for adjudicators and receive feedback. Students also took part in a clinic led by Fordham University professors affiliated with the Jazz Arts Collective and had the opportunity to hear other ensembles, including a performance by the U.S. Army Jazz Ambassadors.

Cameron Fisher (piano) was selected through audition to perform with the Jazz Diplomats, the student group that opened the evening concert. Adjudicators also recognized Morgan Dier (alto saxophone) and Tyler Mercado (trumpet) for outstanding solo performances.

Students across the District marked Earth Day with activities focused on environmental awareness, kindness and community service. At PES, students created crafts and helped clean up areas around the school grounds. At MHSL, students created a “rainbow of kindness,” and fifth graders planted a tree following a poetry reading. At WSL, students took part in activities centered on environmental stewardship, including a K-Kids-led Earth Day cleanup.

At APHS, Key Club and Civic Ecology Club members marked Earth Day with a campus cleanup, collecting trash around the school grounds, including wooded areas.

Thank you to our students for their commitment to service and environmental stewardship.

Averill Park High School’s Class of 2027 will host its Junior Prom on Saturday, May 16, from 7–10 p.m. at the Albany Hilton. Paid parking is available in the attached garage, though carpooling or drop-off is strongly encouraged.

Congratulations to Golden Knights of the Week, Abby Colwill and Liam Hoffman!

• Colwill picked up 2 complete game wins in the circle, including the 250th strikeout of her career. Went 5-11 at the plate with 5 runs scored to help the Golden Knights go 3-1 last week.
• Hoffman played #3/#4 singles and picked up 3 wins last week, defeating Albany (6-2, 3-6, 7-5); South Glens Falls (6-2, 6-0) and CBA (7-5, 6-3).

After nearly 30 years of service, Averill Park Director of Facilities Aaron Heffner will retire at the end of the month. Heffner began his career with the District in June 1997 and played a key role in maintaining facilities and grounds, supporting daily operations and responding during challenging situations. Known to many as “Captain Kilowatt,” his impact will be felt across the District for years to come. He plans to travel with his wife and visit family following retirement. The District thanks Aaron for his dedication and service and wishes him the best in this next chapter.

APHS students were recognized for their work in the 2026 Capital Region Media Arts Festival, a regional event included submissions from 17 school districts, showcasing student creativity in film, photography, graphic design and animation.

Congratulations to the following students for their participation in this year's festival: Alyssa Bonner, Mara Carrig, Barbara Demers, Mora Bogart, Abigail Hurst and Oliver Hindes. Special recognition goes to Abigail Hurst, who earned first place in the Photography category (Landscape/Nature), and also received an honorable mention. Barbara Demers earned an honorable mention in Photography (Still Life, Objects or Interior Space).

Orchestra and percussion students represented AMS at the NYSSMA Solo Festival this past weekend, earning Excellent and Outstanding ratings for their prepared solos.

Congratulations to the following students:

• Grade 6: Jace Roth, Kayano Takeshima, Elaina Terrell, Billy Thorpe
• Grade 7: Jonathan Blair, Kaden Dier, Zachary Endres, James Kirwan, Collin Moran
• Grade 8: Elizabeth Cramer, Abigail Hansen, Emma Marschilok, Patrick Malley, Ivy Vanderbogart

Check out quarter three in the AMS Library.

More than 100 students in grades 8–12 from the French and orchestra programs participated in Québécois and French folk dancing. Homespun Community Dancing, a local trio of musicians and dance callers, visited to continue a multidisciplinary, multigrade tradition that has been part of the school community for more than 20 years.

In preparation, local fiddler George Wilson worked with APHS orchestra students during a half-day residency, teaching traditional tunes they performed to accompany the dancers. The event was supported by the APHS International Club.

In honor of Earth Day, APHS Environmental Science students and members of the Civic Ecology Club welcomed Trent Romer for a presentation on sustainability and climate change. Romer, an author, adjunct professor at Russell Sage College and former instructor at SUNY Albany, is also a lifelong district resident and parent of AP graduates. His visit provided students with insight into environmental issues and real-world applications of sustainability.

Students and PTAs from all three elementary schools came together to show their appreciation for the APCSD Transportation Department. The group delivered breakfast, snacks and drinks, along with handmade signs, to thank bus drivers and transportation staff. Later, drivers arriving at MHSL were greeted at dismissal with a celebratory send-off featuring students, pom-poms and a large banner.

William “Bear” Cumming, a senior at APHS, recently presented a lesson on trout to second- and third-grade students at MHSL as part of his Environmental Science project. His lesson focused on trout ecosystems and energy flow through food chains. Cumming has also been maintaining a tank of brown trout provided through the DEC’s Trout in the Classroom program. The fingerlings are scheduled to be released into the Poestenkill in May, supporting the program’s mission of connecting students to their local watershed.

AMS chorus students participated in the 2026 Suburban Council Music Festival over the weekend, rehearsing and performing alongside top choral musicians from across the region. Congratulations to Amelia Radigan, McKenna Kelley, Madeline Lane, Geoffrey Griffin, Rayonnette Brock and Glenn Overlock for their outstanding performance and for representing AMS.

AMS grade 6 TEAM students welcomed student leaders of The Forge, RPI’s makerspace, which includes more than 30 3D printers, a laser cutter and other advanced equipment. Students had the opportunity to ask questions about 3D printing and learn about college pathways.

APHS English 9 students demonstrated their understanding of Fahrenheit 451 through a range of creative, student-selected projects. As a culminating assessment, students explored Ray Bradbury’s themes and warnings using formats that matched their interests. Projects included visual presentations, Minecraft builds, newspaper-style feature articles, research papers, alternate endings, interactive games, music compositions and curated playlists.

Four APHS students recently showcased their research at the Regeneron Greater Capital Region Science and Engineering Fair, hosted by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

• Alexis Smith — Assessing the influence of schoolwide interventions on feelings of school connectedness
• William Cumming — Mechanics of global away vectors in Reticulitermes
• Roy Wajda — Measurement of branching fractions for Λ0b decays
• Tessa Lindheimer — Influence of sea cucumbers on coral heat tolerance

AMS recognized Purple Up! for Military Kids Day on April 24. Students with a parent in the military gathered for a special event and helped raise the flag to mark the occasion.

The APHS Jazz Ensemble concluded Jazz Appreciation Month with a performance and two clinics at the Shenendehowa Jazz Festival. Now in its 22nd year, the festival brings internationally recognized artists to the Capital Region to work with student musicians. Students participated in clinics with regional artists Bob Halek and Tyler Giroux, along with guest artist Jeff Coffin, a member of the Dave Matthews Band and Béla Fleck and the Flecktones, a three-time Grammy Award winner and educator at Vanderbilt University.

Averill Park students were among those recognized at the New York State SkillsUSA Leadership and Skills Championships, held April 22–24 at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse. The event featured Career and Technical Education students from across the state competing in a variety of skill-based competitions. Madelyn Danaher was selected as a State Officer, and Maria Dickson-Melber earned second place in the Cosmetology Quiz Bowl.

Congratulations to Golden Knights of the Week Elizabeth Cronin and Jeg Sansone!

• Cronin won both the 1500m (5:06.35) and the 3000m (11:15.21) to help Golden Knights defeat Albany. Both of her times were freshman records.
• Sansone helped lead Golden Knights to a 3-O week by batting .500 with 6 hits including 2 doubles, 4 RBI and 2 runs. Sansone also pitched 3 innings in relief and struck out 7.

APHS Key Club will host the Teacher Takedown dodgeball event on Friday, May 15, from 6–9 p.m. in the high school gym to benefit Crossroads American Grill and Unbreakable Nutrition, two local businesses impacted by the 43 Mall fire. Community members are invited to attend, with suggested donations of $5–10. Admission is $2 for students and $3 for adults, with free entry for children under age 3. Teams of high school students only, may register for $50.

Key Club is also seeking pre-packaged concession donations, including chips, cookies and drinks. Items must be sealed and can be dropped off in Room 133 or Room 155 through May 12.

On April 21, the Averill Park CSD Board of Education approved a revision to the 2025-26 school calendar. Students in grades K-8 will now have half days of instruction from Tuesday, June 23 through Friday, June 26.

Revised 2025-26 School Calendar

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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