AP Highlights

On this episode of the Every Student Every Day Podcast, Superintendent Dr. James Franchini sits down with APHS National Honor Society officers Kaylee Mieczkowski and Hazel Miller, new inductees Abby Houser and Jordan Bernstein, and first-year NHS adviser Gabe Smith.

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

AP High School’s science hallway now features a striking new addition: a rock and mineral display case donated by community member Nancy Dunn. The collection once belonged to her late husband, Dr. James R. Dunn, a geology pioneer, and includes specimens from around the world as well as from across New York State. A ribbon cutting ceremony marked the unveiling of the James R. Dunn Mineral Collection. Mrs. Dunn was presented with a plaque recognizing Dr. Dunn’s contributions to the field and the family’s generosity.

The District recently conducted a tabletop exercise simulating a school bus accident, bringing together local law enforcement, fire departments, emergency medical services, facilitated by the Rensselaer County Office of Emergency Management. Participants worked through a series of realistic scenarios — including an out of district location, limited cell service, adverse weather, and driver incapacitation — to evaluate response procedures and identify opportunities for improvement.

"The Chronicle," released its Nov. 7, 2025 issue, focusing on how students are adapting to major educational and local shifts. The lead story details the impact of Gov. Kathy Hochul's "More Learning, Less Scrolling" initiative, which bans smartphones and internet-enabled devices from classrooms to encourage social interaction and distraction-free learning. The paper also reports on the resulting new student activities, such as the high school's "Knight Zone," which features ping pong and board games.

• Sierra Iwaneczko - (Girls Soccer) Sierra played the best game of her career vs. Broadalbin-Perth and showed tremendous leadership at halftime which ultimately led the Golden Knight to tie the game.
• Braeden Kilgallon - (Football) Carried the ball 3 times for 63 yards and 2 touchdowns to propel the Golden Knights to a 28-0 victory over Gloversville.

AP faculty and staff spent Superintendent’s Conference Day engaged in professional development sessions and workshops designed to enhance teaching and learning. Educators shared best practices, and explored new strategies to continue supporting every student, every day.

The Averill Park Robotics Club extends its sincere gratitude to the following people and organizations for their generous donations this year: the Dupuis Family, the Wajda Family, the Colwill Family, F.W. Webb, and Troy Sand and Gravel. The club will be hosting an in-house robotics scrimmage with Guilderland High School on Dec. 12

AMS Student Council Officers met with Mr. Messia today to discuss their priorities and upcoming projects. Coach Brooks joined the discussion as the Student Council is working to support the PE program with new athletic pinnies.

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.

The AP Varsity Baseball Team is holding its annual wreath sale to support the team’s trip to Myrtle Beach! Deadline for orders: 11/17

• Decorated wreaths: $40
• Plain wreaths: $30

Wreaths will be hand-delivered by varsity players during the first week of December.

APHS and AMS music students rocked the All County Music Festival this past weekend. Based on their auditions, these young musicians were selected to perform with other students from Rensselaer County. Everyone rehearsed on Thursday, for the first time, with a performance on Saturday, November 8th.

Congratulations to our Averill Park Cross Country teams for their strong performances at the Section 2 Class B Championships Nov. 8. Athletes from both teams have qualified to compete in the NYSPHSAA State Championships

The AP Golden Knights face Glens Falls Saturday 11/15 at 3:30 PM at Shenendehowa HS.

Tickets (Must purchase online): https://gofan.co/event/4578015?schoolId=NYSPHSAAII

Watch Live: https://nfhsnetwork.com/events/nysphsaas2/gamcc88ac35b7

APHS Physics students put their learning into action by building catapults, slingshots, and trebuchets to send pumpkins flying. This 20-year tradition combines creativity and science as students analyze projectile motion and energy in a hands-on way.

PES students in 3VW brought their reading to life. After finishing Poppy by Avi, students created pumpkin book reports featuring the title, author, characters, setting, excerpts, and key events, all displayed on a pumpkin!

• Elizabeth Cronin, a member of the girls’ cross country team, placed fourth in the Section 2 Class B championship with a time of 19:11.3, which qualified her to compete at the NYSPHSAA Championships.
• Lucas Brown, from the boys’ cross country team, placed eighth with a time of 16:50.9, also earning a spot in the NYSPHSAA Championships.

MHSL has partnered with Casale Gals, a local Troy company, for this fundraiser. A portion of every purchase supports the PTA. The online store is open now through Friday, November 21. Orders will be delivered to each school in the district during the week of December 8. All schools are welcome to order.

The Averill Park Class of 2028 Class Jewelry order window is open. DEADLINE to order is Thursday, November 20th. Order online: www.jostens.com Use code GWPMETAL26 for up to $100 off your class ring, plus get a FREE 2028 Hoodie with your order.

Questions? baileya@apcsd.org

Josten's will be in the Main Lobby during lunches (Nov 19th & 20th) and at Parent Night on Nov 20th (5-6 PM) to help!

The Class of 2026 ordering window for graduation Cap, Gown, and Senior Packages is open.

Senior Celebration Days are Wednesday, November 19th, and Thursday, November 20th. Josten's will be in the Main Lobby during lunches on these days to take all orders. This is the only guaranteed opportunity for free shipping and in-school service. Please visit www.northwaygrad.com to view packages and place your order by November 20th.

Important Online Offer: Seniors ordering a class ring online can use code SENIORGIFT75 to receive a $75 discount on the ring and get the basic Cap, Gown, and Tassel set for FREE.

Create and purchase an ad for your '25-'26 senior student in the Yearbook. DEADLINE is Nov. 21.

Ads are created online at: jostensadservices.com

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

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.

Have something you would like to see covered on the website/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

Instagram: @averillparkcsd