AP Highlights

Grade 8 students at Algonquin Middle School traveled to New York City recently for their annual field trip! Students visited the National 9/11 Memorial & Museum, explored the observation deck of the Freedom Tower, and toured historic landmarks including Wall Street, Federal Hall, and the gravesite of Alexander Hamilton.

On Tuesday, May 19, residents of the Averill Park Central School District supported a $73.2 million budget for the 2026-27 school year by a vote of 1,015 (yes) to 447 (no).

The budget of $73,273,010 calls for an increase of 5.42% from the 2025-26 school year and a tax levy increase of 3.99%, which is under the tax cap.

Residents also approved a bus purchase proposition by a vote of 1,007 (yes) to 454 (no). This will allow the district to purchase three (3) 65-passenger school buses, three (3) 30-passenger buses and two (2) sport utility vehicles at a total cost not to exceed $899,826.

Additionally, voters approved a Capital Project proposition 1,114 (yes) to 351 (no). This referendum allows the District to use already approved funds from the 2021 Capital Project that came in under budget to connect Algonquin Middle School to municipal water.

“Thank you to the APCSD residents who voted on the 2026-27 school budget,” Superintendent Dr. James Franchini said. “Administration and the Board of Education worked hard to develop a budget that is mindful of student needs, fiscal responsibility, and long-term sustainability.”

Residents elected Doug Kelley and Jennifer Olsen to the Board of Education. As there were no official candidates on the ballot, write-in candidates were elected to fill the two (2) open seats.

Thank you to everyone who voted and thank you to those who continue to work long hours to ensure an accurate result.

The girls outdoor track & field team won the Section 2 Group 2 championship, winning the first sectional title in program history! The Golden Knights scored 169 points. Second place Burnt Hills had 133 points.

Congratulations to all seven of our spring varsity teams for being named NYSPHSAA Scholar-Athlete Teams!

The SL@AMS Club at Algonquin Middle School had the opportunity to visit Doors of Hope to learn more about the incredible support and resources they provide the community! Students brought a variety of donated and purchased items from the club to help support hygiene needs for individuals and families served by the organization. Thank you to the families who donated and supported the drive. The afternoon wrapped up with a stop at Unbreakable Nutrition!

Averill Park High School art students had the opportunity to visit the New York State Museum, where they explored works from the museum’s permanent collection as well as photographs from the temporary exhibition, Berenice Abbott’s “Changing New York.” Students then walked to the Albany Institute of History & Art, where they viewed “Blanche Lazzell: Becoming an American Modernist,” The visit also included time to explore the museum’s renowned Hudson River School collection.

Local Vietnam Veterans visited Ms. St. James’ 11th grade English class to share their experiences as students read "The Things They Carried," bringing firsthand perspective to the memoir collection centered on the Vietnam War. Additionally, a Private Investigator spoke with students in the Detective Fiction class about the realities of investigative work and careers in the field. Thank you to the guest speakers for helping bring learning to life!

Under the direction of Mr. Riccomini, the band, orchestra, and chorus delivered phenomenal performances at West Sand Lake Elementary School! From the daytime assembly to the evening concert, the students showcased their talent and hard work.

The Averill Park High School Environmental Science class successfully completed this year's participation in the Trout in the Classroom program with the release of approximately 50 fingerling Brown Trout into the Poestenkill Creek! Students completed water quality testing on site, including macroinvertebrate sampling. They were joined by the current President of the local Trout Unlimited Home-Waters Chapter, Audrey Vanderhoef.

The National Art Honor Society (NAHS) hosted its 2nd Annual Kids Art Night, an evening full of creativity, collaboration, and connection between Averill Park CSD’s oldest and youngest artists.

NAHS members organized interactive art stations, provided demonstrations, and guided K–5 students through a variety of projects including painting, drawing, scratch art, ink inventions, air-dry clay, and a collaborative drawing game.

SAVE THE DATE: There will be an interest meeting for current students in grades 6-8 on June 24 at 6:00 p.m. for anyone interested in playing girls soccer in the fall.

The 5th annual Averill Park High School World Languages Department and International Club’s Import & Domestic Car Show will take place on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at Averill Park High School! Registration ($10 day of show) is from 9:00 - 11:00 am and the show continues until 2:00 pm. Our volunteer student judges (coached by Hemmings Motor News professionals) will be selecting the winning vehicles in 22 different trophy categories. Imported and domestic cars, motorcycles, and trucks are all welcome. Registration proceeds will benefit senior scholarships for the World Languages Department. Food sale proceeds will benefit the International Club. The rain date is June 7.

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
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AverillParkCentralSchoolDistrict/
Twitter: @AverillParkCSD

Instagram: @averillparkcsd